Ravens Decline Linebacker's 5th-Year Option; Expected To Be Traded

The Baltimore Ravens have declined to exercise linebacker Patrick Queen's fifth-year option, as reported by Sarah Ellison from the team's official website.

This move comes as no surprise as Queen, who was the team's first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, struggled to meet expectations in his first two seasons.

Update: The #Ravens won't pick up the 5th-year option on the contract of 2020 1st round pick LB Patrick Queen, per @RapSheet

Queen was the 28th overall pick in the draft but the team recently signed Roquan Smith to a $100M contract and drafted LB Trenton Simpson over the weekend pic.twitter.com/mWzKuM8Aba

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 1, 2023

However, his performance significantly improved in 2022 after the Ravens traded for inside linebacker Roquan Smith, who signed a lucrative five-year, $100 million extension with the team.

Queen's career-high numbers in tackles, sacks, QB hits, pass defended, and interceptions suggest that the presence of Smith had a positive impact on his game.

Despite his improved performance, the Ravens have not committed to Queen long-term, and the team's recent draft pick of Trenton Simpson, a third-round selection from Clemson, may signal a potential replacement.

The #Ravens declined the fifth-year option for LB Patrick Queen, source said. And he enters a contract year in 2023.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 1, 2023

The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec also believes the 23-year-old's time in Baltimore may be coming to an end, writing that he's a "potential trade candidate."

Simpson's impressive speed and size make him an intriguing prospect for the Ravens.

Queen's status with the team remains uncertain, and the decision not to exercise his fifth-year option does not necessarily mean that he will be traded. However, with the emergence of Simpson and Smith's extension, the Ravens may be exploring all options regarding Queen's future with the team. Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports