The Ravens are keeping their offensive sledgehammer, as Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard has agreed to terms to stay in Baltimore.
It's a fully guaranteed, one-year deal for the five-time Pro Bowler, per The Athletic’s Diana Russini. According to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec, the deal will be in the $2.9 million range with a $1.44 million 2025 cap hit.
A deal seemed inevitable after Ricard said after the season that he wanted to retire a Raven and General Manager Eric DeCosta concurred.
The fullback market changed when news broke Monday evening that fellow Pro Bowler and former Raven Kyle Juszczyk was set to be released by the San Francisco 49ers. The Ravens and Ricard struck a deal not long after.
Ricard has been a key spearhead in the Ravens' run game and pass protection during his eight years in Baltimore. He still found a home in Todd Monken's scheme the past two seasons, playing 39% of the offensive snaps both years.
Derrick Henry, who ran for nearly 2,000 yards last season, made it clear on multiple occasions last season how much he loved having the 300-pound fullback clearing the way in front of him. That big-bodied combination was incredibly difficult for opponents to stop last season, as Henry ran for 1,324 yards (6.2 per rush) and 15 touchdowns last season when Ricard was on the field.
"Any time 42 [Ricard] is in front of me, I'm comfortable," Henry said. "I've got to make something happen."
Ricard's impact goes beyond numbers. He's part of the Ravens' offensive identity.
The Ravens have not yet added an outside free agent, but they've retained two of their top free agents and core offensive players in Ricard and left tackle Ronnie Stanley.
