Baltimore Ravens could potentially shop linebacker

Queen was a first-round pick by Baltimore in 2020. The LSU product has largely backed up his draft stock through his first three seasons in the NFL. Right out of the gate, he collected 106 tackles and three sacks as a rookie, earning him PFWA All-Rookie Team honors.

After seeing his numbers drop a bit in 2021, Queen had a career year this past season, finishing with 117 tackles and five sacks. He ultimately finished the campaign ranked 31st among 81 qualifying linebackers, per Pro Football Focus, with the outlet giving him position-leading grades for his pass-rushing ability.

After trading for Smith last season, the Ravens gave him a five-year, $100M contract ($45M guaranteed) in January. That contract made Smith the highest-paid off-ball LB in the NFL and it will predictably influence the team’s decision making elsewhere on the roster. With so much money committed to Smith -- and with the front office eyeing a fifth-year option decision on Queen this offseason -- it makes sense that they would look to trade off one of their linebackers.

The Ravens are only armed with five selections heading into this year’s draft, meaning that a Queen trade could help them add to what is currently a thin amount of draft equity.