4 underrated moves the Ravens made in the 2022 offseason
By Justin Fried
2. The Ravens re-sign Patrick Ricard
There was a time this offseason when it seemed as though the Ravens were set to lose Patrick Ricard in free agency. The fan-favorite fullback was reportedly demanding a high fee on the open market, and the assumption was that Baltimore wouldn’t be willing to meet his asking price.
The decision to bring back 2021 fifth-round pick Ben Mason only added more fuel to the fire as many fans prepared for the worst. Ricard looked like a goner.
That was before the two sides eventually agreed to terms on a three-year, $11.25 million contract that will keep him in Baltimore for the foreseeable future.
A former undrafted free agent, Ricard has become a staple of the Ravens’ offense and is genuinely one of the most important and irreplaceable parts of the team’s dynamic rushing attack.
The converted defensive lineman has made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and is in the conversation for the best fullback in the NFL. He’s an integral part of the Ravens’ offense.
Sure, the Ravens still have some hope for Ben Mason, but it would have been silly to expect a similar level of production from him if Ricard was unable to re-sign.
Not only were the Ravens able to re-sign Ricard, but they were able to do so on a relatively team-friendly deal despite reports that he was looking to become the NFL’s highest-paid fullback.
It’s hard to imagine this Ravens offense with Patrick Ricard. Fortunately, we won’t have to.