The Pittsburgh Steelers were a team who many thought had just one main need, and that was at the quarterback position. While that position absolutely needed tending to during the offseason, it was on the defensive side of the ball where many holes were vacant after the 2023 season.

Of all the defensive positions which needed addressed, the inside linebacker (ILB) position remained in a continuous state of flux with the organization. If we’re being honest, the ILB position has been in flux since that fateful Monday Night Football game in Cincinnati when Ryan Shazier’s career ended.

The Steelers haven’t had the best of luck finding a replacement via free agency, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t about to go down swinging. And take a big swing they did as they signed former Baltimore Ravens ILB Patrick Queen to a lucrative 3-year contract.

There are some fans who are skeptical of the decision. Not because of Queen’s injury history, or lack thereof considering he has been a steady force for the Ravens since being drafted in 2020. Nor is it because of his age, he is just 24 years old and entering his second contract of his young career.

Most have an issue with his fit, as it pertains to style. Can he mesh with what the Steelers want to do defensively? He did play alongside one of the best ILBs the last two years in Baltimore with Roquan Smith. Can he duplicate that success with Elandon Roberts, or a combination of players at the position?

That was the question I posed to our Coach KT Smith when he wanted to do a breakdown on Queen. I asked, “Is this guy what the Steelers need at ILB?”

His answer after watching the film? A resounding, “Yes!”

Check out the latest film room breakdown, or Call Sheet Breakdown as he calls them, in the player below. KT Smith diagrams what Queen does well, and why he is the perfect fit for what the Steelers will want him to do this season.

To watch the breakdown, hit play on the player below, or click HERE (Be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel HERE):

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of free agency and the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.