From undrafted to a multi-millionaire, Baltimore Ravens fullback/defensive lineman Patrick Ricard has played himself to better and better situations. The Ravens announced they inked Ricard to a two-year contract extension that will keep him signed through the 2021 season. But now we know how much it’ll cost Baltimore to keep the key two-way player.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Ricard’s two-year contract extension is worth $7.3 million.
While the Ravens were likely to retain Ricard this offseason thanks to being a restricted free agent, they get an extra year and potentially at a steal. It’s unclear exactly how the contract will be split up, but $7.3 million for two years could be considered cheap for a player as important as Ricard.
The last time Baltimore had a fullback hit free agency, Kyle Juszczyk signed a record-setting four-year deal worth $21 million. Though Juszczyk was used far more in the Ravens’ passing attack than Ricard currently is, Juszczyk also didn’t play defense as well.
Don’t rule out an increased role for Ricard in the passing game either, as he has eight receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown this season. It took until Juszczyk’s third season with the Ravens before he became an impact receiver out of the backfield. Given Ricard is well known as “project Pat” for being developed into his current two-way role, he might take an extra year to reach the same level of productivity as Juszczyk had.
Regardless of if his role is ever increased, $3.65 million per year for a guy that plays offense, defense and special teams seems like a bargain.
