The Baltimore Ravens have seen enough out of fullback/defensive lineman Patrick Ricard this season. According to the team’s Twitter account, they’ve locked him up to a two-year contract extension that will keep him through the 2021 season. Ricard was set to be a restricted free agent this offseason. While likely to return for at least a season, Baltimore’s extension ensures they keep him for the near future.
Ricard is one of the few two-way players in the NFL, playing both on offense and defense. But that actually doesn’t do Ricard justice as he plays a significant number of snaps on special teams as well.
Sadly, what Ricard does for Baltimore doesn’t tend to show up on the stat sheet. Ricard has eight receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown while posting nine combined tackles, a pass defensed, one sack and two quarterback hits. While those stats are underwhelming for a guy getting a contract mid-season, the Ravens clearly feel he’s an asset on their roster.
He’s a big portion of Baltimore’s depth on the defensive line but he’s been a star at fullback. Ricard is a huge reason the Ravens have had such success on the ground, blocking the way for guys like Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards and quarterback Lamar Jackson. A quick look at film from any game will show Ricard blowing up defenders and pushing them downfield, opening holes for big rushing yards. Ricard’s play has him headed towards his first Pro Bowl nomination, as he leads fan voting at fullback.
Baltimore has aimed to extend their pending free agents early when possible. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has been able to lock up cornerback Tavon Young, kicker Justin Tucker, guard Marshal Yanda and wide receiver Willie Snead to extensions during the regular season. Ricard is just another in a line