Baltimore Ravens are in good hands with LB Trenton Simpson if Patrick Queen leaves in Free Agency

The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best linebacker tandems in the NFL with Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen. This duo is complete with their ability to excel against both the run and passing games of opposing offenses. Smith is in the discussion for the best linebacker in the league with the 49ers Fred Warner. 

The Ravens' defense is in danger of losing one of these talented playmakers. Queen is slated to be a free agent this offseason if the Ravens do not use their franchise tag on him. As good as Queen has been in 2023, giving him a long-term contract extension is more difficult than meets the eye. 

The Ravens have one of their best defensive linemen due for an extension as well. Justin Madubuike was a dominant force on their defensive line, as he led the team in sacks with 13. If the Ravens desire to keep one of these high-end and valuable defenders, a decision must be made. Which is more difficult to replace? I say Madubuike because former Clemson Tiger LB Trenton Simpson is ready to take the reigns from Queen. Factor in the 20 million per year market value per Spotrac for Madubuike, he is a strong franchise tag candidate. 

Patrick Queen's projections are a bit much

According to Spotrac, Queen's market value stands at 18.5 million per year with a contract length of five years at 92.6 million. This would place Queen as the third-highest-paid LB behind Smith and Warner. With this in mind, I find it hard to believe the Ravens would tie up roughly 38 million per year in two off-ball linebackers, no matter how talented they are.

As a result, I fully expect Queen to hit the free-agent market. 

Trenton Simpson has the good for the job

For a team that utilizes two off-ball LBs like the Ravens do, losing one of them would hurt. Fortunately, they had a backup plan that was obvious during the 2023 NFL Draft. Selecting Simpson in the 3rd round last April signified they were looking a year ahead. Simpson has the tools, coachability, and versatility to mesh well alongside Smith. 

During the season finale, he saw the most playing time of his rookie year versus the Pittsburgh Steelers with 26 total defensive snaps. In that game, Simpson finished with four tackles, three run stops, and notched the first sack of his career. He flashed strong run-defensive ability and positional flexibility.