After buying and selling for Roquan Smith on the 2022 commerce deadline, he and Patrick Queen shortly fashioned a high-performing linebacker tandem for the Baltimore Ravens. Smith’s spectacular play in a brief stint with the Ravens final season earned him a record-breaking contract extension from Baltimore in March.

The Ravens didn’t choose up Queen’s fifth-year contract choice this offseason after which drafted a linebacker within the third spherical, Trenton Simpson. Whereas this sparked speedy commerce hypothesis, the mud has since settled and it seems nearly sure that Queen will likely be with the crew in 2023 — and presumably past.

Queen, whose efficiency was already enhancing previous to the Ravens’ acquisition of Smith, took his recreation to a different degree within the second half of final season. Now, him and Smith have shortly developed a nationwide status for being a high-end duo.

CBS Sports activities’ Jeff Kerr just lately ranked the NFL’s High 10 defensive place teams throughout the league. He listed the Ravens’ off-ball linebacker corps at No. 3, trailing solely the San Francisco 49ers’ inside defenders and the Philadelphia Eagles’ edge rushers.

“Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen have performed simply 9 video games collectively and have already emerged as the most effective off-ball linebacker duo within the league,” Kerr wrote. “Smith made an instantaneous affect within the Ravens protection . . . ending with 169 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three interceptions and 6 passes defended with the Ravens and Chicago Bears.”

Kerr famous that Smith, who earned a first-team All-Professional choice, joined Patrick Willis as the one different participant to report 150 tackles, 4 sacks and three or extra interceptions in a single season.

He additionally highlighted how Queen’s statistical manufacturing since coming into the league places him in unique territory. Together with Smith and Bobby Wagner, Queen is the one participant to have not less than 300 tackles, 10 sacks, and three interceptions since 2020.

“In protection, opposing quarterbacks focusing on Smith allowed a 69.9 passer ranking whereas Queen allowed a 73.1 ranking. The duo mixed for 5 interceptions and allowed three touchdowns,” Kerr additionally wrote. “A full season of Smith and Queen might spell hassle for opposing offenses — and provides Baltimore a superb alternative to get to the Tremendous Bowl.”

The Ravens have a historical past of valuing high-end linebacker play. Whereas they cycled by some undrafted or journeymen-type veterans previous to final 12 months, they’re clearly inserting a premium on the place now. As Kerr wrote, the dynamic of Smith and Queen, because it did final season, can elevate the Ravens’ protection and doubtlessly enhance their Tremendous Bowl hopes.

Baltimore’s off-ball linebacker group as an entire might exceed expectations even additional if rookie Trenton Simpson might make an instantaneous affect this upcoming season. It will likely be attention-grabbing to see how Simpson is deployed and what his position is with Smith and Queen on the depth chart.