Patrick Mekari extension hints at the Ravens’ offseason plans

The Baltimore Ravens re-signed offensive lineman Patrick Mekari to a three-year, $15.35 million extension on Friday seemingly hinting at what their offseason focus might be.

The Ravens know that they have to improve in the trenches if they’re to find extended success moving forward. The Mekari extension provides proof that the Ravens are serious about solidifying their offensive line.

Signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL Draft, Mekari has developed into one of the most valuable linemen on the roster due to his versatility.

The former California standout can play all five offensive line positions and has proven that he could step in and play at a pretty high level when asked. Re-signing him was always a no-brainer move.

The Ravens retained excellent depth in Patrick Mekari

But while some might be quick to assume that Mekari, who has been the team’s primary right tackle this season, could be in line to retain that role heading into 2022, that likely won’t be the case.

Or, at the very least, that won’t be ‘Plan A’ for the Ravens this offseason.

This move furthers the notion that the Ravens are committed to building the offensive line around Lamar Jackson. Re-signing Mekari is likely only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to offensive line transactions over the coming months.

The Ravens still have a decision to make on Bradley Bozeman who is set to be a free agent this offseason. It’s hard to imagine the Ravens just let Bozeman walk, especially after a career year.

Baltimore didn’t re-sign Mekari to be their starting center just like they didn’t re-sign him with the goal of him being their Week 1 starter at right tackle.

On that same note, however, they made this move with Ronnie Stanley’s uncertain status in the front of their minds. Stanley will have played just one game over the prior 22 months by the time the start of the 2022 season rolls around.

It would be foolish for the Ravens to bank on him being healthy. Even with Mekari under contract, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see the Ravens go out and bring in a player with more experience at left tackle.

That might mean moving on from Alejandro Villanueva, but the emergence of Mekari, and the presence of Ja’Wuan James, might make that possible, especially if the team upgrades at right tackle.

Patrick Mekari is high-quality depth at a position group that might be the thinnest in the entire NFL. The Ravens learned in 2021 just how important depth is.

And re-signing Mekari provides proof that the organization is committed to protecting Jackson and beefing up their trenches this offseason.