Another year, another Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman cashing in elsewhere. After locking up Ronnie Stanley, things have been relatively quiet in Charm City. But while the Ravens haven’t been active in free agency, their own free agents certainly have.
Patrick Mekari, the team's ultimate do-it-all lineman, is officially moving on.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Mekari has agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The contract can reach $39 million in total value and includes more than $20 million guaranteed. It’s a well-earned payday for a player who made a name for himself as one of the league’s most versatile offensive linemen.
Mekari follows in the footsteps of Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson, who both left Baltimore last offseason in search of bigger contracts. Unlike them, though, Mekari wasn’t locked into one position. He played everywhere—tackle, guard, and center—giving the Ravens an invaluable insurance policy whenever injuries struck.
Jaguars add Patrick Mekari to their offensive line
Mekari started all 17 games for Baltimore in 2024, spending most of the year at left guard after an early-season injury to Andrew Vorhees forced a shake-up along the line. He originally opened the year at right tackle, but once Roger Rosengarten took over that spot, Mekari seamlessly slid inside without missing a beat.
His ability to play multiple positions is what made him such an attractive free agent target. Jacksonville, in desperate need of offensive line help to protect Trevor Lawrence, now adds a battle-tested veteran who can fill in wherever needed.
Still, Mekari wasn’t perfect. He racked up 10 penalties last season, including six holding calls, which made for some frustrating moments. But his value in being able to plug and play at any position outweighs the occasional hiccup.
For the Ravens, the most logical move now is to reinstate Vorhees as the full-time starter at left guard. He was playing well before his injury, and with Mekari gone, Baltimore may not have much of a choice. Of course, general manager Eric DeCosta could have something up his sleeve in free agency or the draft.
Either way, losing Mekari stings. He was the type of player you didn’t think much about until you needed him. Now, the Ravens have a hole to fill—and Jacksonville just got a whole lot more flexible up front.