Insider believes Steelers landed ‘defensive cornerstone’ in free agency.

The Steelers have been one of the more active teams in free agency this offseason, signing numerous players who are expected to make an impact in 2024.

However, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler feels one of Pittsburgh’s most recent arrivals will be a valuable asset to the team’s defense for many years to come.

In fact, Fowler believes the Steelers’ acquisition of former Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen is the “best overall free agent signing” thus far.

“Pittsburgh gets a defensive cornerstone at a position that has long been depleted,” Fowler said. “Having a fourth defensive star join T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Heyward will pay off in the AFC North. And extra points for snatching Queen from the opposing Ravens.

The Steelers not only took Queen from their AFC North division opponent, but they also acquired him for a song, agreeing to a three-year, $41 million contract. The 24-year-old was expected to earn up to $18 million per year, according to league sources.

Nonetheless, Queen became Pittsburgh’s highest-paid free agent signing in franchise history, and deservedly so.

He’s been one of the league’s most prolific inside linebackers in recent years, with 250 tackles, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, three interceptions, and 12 defensed passes.

Queen also addresses a significant need for the Steelers, who have been looking for a sideline-to-sideline inside linebacker since losing Ryan Shazier to a spinal injury in 2017.

Pittsburgh has been mixing and matching veterans for years, and linebackers Cole Holcomb (knee) and Kwon Alexander (Achilles) had season-ending injuries last year.

General manager Omar Khan eventually said enough and went all-in on Queen. Fowler, like many others, feels it will pay off for the Steelers, since Queen is expected to be the “quarterback” of their star-studded defense for the foreseeable future.