In a candid revelation, linebacker Patrick Queen opened up about his surprising exit from the Baltimore Ravens after four impactful seasons. Drafted as the 28th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Queen quickly became a cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense. He showcased his talent by starting every game and was a dominant presence on the field, logging nearly every defensive snap in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

However, the tides turned when the Ravens declined to exercise Queen’s fifth-year option, ultimately allowing him to enter free agency. The linebacker expressed his disappointment, stating, “I wasn’t offered to go back. I wasn’t wanted back. I didn’t get the offer back. It was definitely kind of upsetting, being there for four years and the bond that you grow with your teammates.”

Now, following a three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Queen is gearing up for a significant matchup against his former team this Sunday. Reflecting on his feelings about the situation, he acknowledged that while emotions are natural, his focus has shifted toward building new relationships and winning games with his current teammates. He remarked, “At the end of the day… you want to win with your new teammates, you want to bond with those guys.”

Queen admitted that the transition was challenging, particularly since he never had a proper closure with the Ravens’ management. He had no discussions with head coach John Harbaugh or General Manager Eric DeCosta about his role, which left him feeling unappreciated. It wasn’t until late summer that he began to process the emotional fallout from his time in Baltimore.

“I definitely did feel a certain type of way after the whole situation,” Queen shared. “You put in blood, sweat, and tears... and you built relationships with everyone at the organization.” However, he is ready to move forward. “I’m over it now,” he concluded, ready to face the Ravens for the first time as a competitor.

As Queen prepares for this emotional encounter, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he'll channel his feelings into performance on the field. Will he rise to the occasion and lead his new team to victory against his old squad? All eyes will be on him this Sunday as the AFC North rivalry rekindles with added personal stakes.