49ers’s Star Player Nick Bosa Made A Surprised Debut To Steelers With Contract Value Worth After parting ways with unimpressive quarterback Kenny Pickett, they acquired Justin Fields to provide backup for Russell Wilson, who would go on to become a Hall of Famer.
They also dealt wide receiver Diontae Jackson to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round choice in this year’s draft in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
However, Pittsburgh’s acquisition of linebacker Patrick Queen from the Baltimore Ravens was a rather underappreciated move. He’ll form one of the best linebacker tandems in the NFL with edge rusher T.J. Watt.
Queen was ranked No. 11 among the league’s best inside linebackers by Touchdown Wire at USA Today Sports Media Group.
Under 2023 defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, “Patrick Queen was yet another Baltimore defender who put together a career year. The 2020 28th overall pick out of LSU cashed in big with a new three-year, $41 million contract with $13,840 million guaranteed to play for his former AFC North rival,” Doug Farrar wrote. “After Ryan Shazier’s retirement, the Steelers have been searching in vain for functionally athletic linebackers. Based on his 2023 tape, Queen may finally be That Guy.”
The San Francisco 49ers’ Fred Warner, who Farrar called “a truly generational talent at any position,” came in first.
It seems that Mike Tomlin wants to mold this Steelers team after their legendary teams from the past, who prevailed thanks to a fierce defense.
The game has undoubtedly evolved significantly since Jack Lambert and Jack Ham manned the linebacker positions for the “Steel Curtain” teams in the past, and even more so since their final Super Bowl-winning squad in 2008.
Joey Porter Jr., a rookie from the previous season and the son of team star Joey Porter, a linebacker on their 2005 world championship squad, is one of Pittsburgh’s young defensive backs that shows promise. However, they still need help at cornerback and could add another reliable edge rusher.
However, Queen—who played in his first Pro Bowl last season—should be a big assistance. Since he is only 24 years old, he should still have some space for future growth. Additionally, the Steelers’ signing of him after he was cut by the AFC North opponent Ravens should increase their chances of making the playoffs.
It’s unlikely that the Steelers will win their division or even advance to Super Bowl LIX. But it might be possible to improve on the 10-7 result from the previous season.
