The Baltimore Ravens boast one of the best defenses in the NFL entering the 2024 season, despite a turbulent summer that cost them several important starters. One of the casualties was LB Patrick Queen, and one writer believes a Carolina Panthers starter could be a possible replacement.
Last Word on Sports David Latham believes Panthers LB Shaq Thompson could be moved once the Panthers fall out of playoff contention, and he named the Ravens as one of his “Best Fits.”
According to Latham, “Baltimore didn’t have the resources to adequately replace every departed starter, which means the team is still looking for an adequate replacement for linebacker Patrick Queen.”
Queen moved for division foe Pittsburgh Steelers after having one of his best seasons alongside fellow LB Roquan Smith. Smith is regarded as one of the top linebackers in the NFL and has quickly gained popularity among fans since his arrival in 2022.
Smith requires a running partner for the coming season, and according to Latham, “Fortifying the front seven should be a top priority for the team if they want to slow the elite passing attacks in the AFC.”
The Ravens consider themselves Super Bowl candidates for the upcoming season, and if they want to advance beyond the AFC championship game, they must be prepared to defeat the top offenses.
“Shaq Thompson might not singlehandedly put this team in the Super Bowl, but a trade would improve the talent of the overall unit and could provide that final push needed to take down Kansas City in January,” Latham said.
Shaq Thompson Is a Free Agent After 2024 Season
Thompson is starting his tenth season after being selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. Surprisingly, he will just be 30 years old in the upcoming season and has plenty of tread remaining on his tires.
Thompson has spent all nine seasons with the Panthers, so Carolina is all he knows, but he is nearing the end of his contract, which he restructured to one year and $3.01 million.
The LB is coming off a season in which he missed weeks 3–18 due to a fractured ankle. Thompson was only able to play two games in 2023, which was a career low.
Prior to 2023, Thompson had appeared in at least 14 games during his career. His career took off in 2019, the first year he made more than 100 combined tackles.
He recorded four straight seasons of 100 total tackles, including a career high of 135, before his injury in 2023.
Over his nine-year career, he has 717 total tackles, 12.0 sacks, 52 tackles for loss, and 31 quarterback hits. Thompson would also benefit from playing alongside All-Pro Smith, who elevated Queen’s game.
Ravens May Prefer to Spend Resources Elsewhere
The Ravens are in this situation since they declined to pick up Queen’s option before the 2023 season and did not have enough salary space to offer him the contract he desired.
Thompson is nearing the final year of his deal, so if the Ravens trade for him, they will be in a similar scenario next season. They have already invested $100 million in Smith, so they are unlikely to pay Thompson after not paying Queen.
According to Latham, “LB2 isn’t the most important position in today’s day and age, but Shaq Thompson could be an ideal fit in a trade.” Currently, LB Trenton Simpson has the inside track for the spot next to Smith and might render the requirement obsolete if he continues to impress.
Simpson demonstrated explosive skill in his Week 17 showcase, but if he wants to help the Ravens’ defense advance, he must maintain this level throughout the season.
If Simpson is not ready early in the season and the Panthers fall out of contention, general manager Eric DeCosta may make a decision to maximize this team’s window.
