Roundtable reactions: FB Patrick Ricard contract details released

It took nearly 24 hours but the details of Patrick Ricard’s contract extension are finally into the ether. With the news and details out, it’s time for Baltimore Beatdown to share their thoughts on the signing.

There are many undrafted players who come and go on a yearly basis across the league and I believe we as Ravens fans are spoiled by the consistent talent groomed and molded by the coaching staff; spoiled by the determination from the undrafted players’ efforts to stay employed playing and working at the game they love, because here we have yet another UDFA signing a second contract with the franchise. He entered the league as a defensive tackle with a blend of pass rushing talent and run-stopping capabilities. He made solid plays but nothing shattering. The coaching staff quickly realized he could operate in their offense, as early as his rookie season (2017). He caught all four targets thrown in his direction and scored two touchdowns his rookie season. Now, they’ve transitioned him into the NFL’s only two-way player. He’s the traditional juggernaut fullback, crashing into defenders and opening holes for Lamar Jackson, Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards. He’s getting the rock in space, too, as he’s caught eight of nine targets this season for 47 yards and a touchdown.

In short, I’m thrilled on all accounts. The player earning the extension is a top two fullback in the league. The contract is great value for the team while also making Ricard a rich man. He deserved the payday and now he’ll stay in the purple and black for a minimum of two more years. —Kyle P Barber

Ricard was a tone setter in training camp. He practices the way he plays, full speed and downhill. He caused some pushing and shoving among his own teammates, which was funny because he operates on both sides of the ball.

That physicality has destroyed the will of opposing linebackers consistently throughout 2019. I don’t believe it is a coincidence the last two games the Ravens lost were some of Ricard’s lowest offensive snap totals on the year.

His combination of size, strength and athleticism makes him a unicorn. He also flashes surprisingly good ability as a leaking flat option and highlighted that with his signature “angry run” against the Texans.

The Ravens now have Nick Boyle, Mark Andrews, Hayden Hurst, Mark Ingram, Hollywood Brown, Lamar Jackson as well as Ricard locked up for the foreseeable future.

Long live Project Pat. — Spencer Schultz

Another ascending property is locked up by Eric DeCosta well ahead of him pricing himself out of the Ravens range. 249 snaps on offense, 135 on D, and 78 on special teams show that he’s more than just a run blocking fullback (though he is excellent at that as well, as a huge contributor to Baltimore’s #1 rush DVOA grade at +25.4%). The team clearly loves what he brings as a physical presence for the toughest offense in football, and locking him up along with Nick Boyle shows yet again how committed they are to continue playing that way. It’s a great move at a great cost (3.6M per year), and Baltimore again rewards an unheralded guy for his excellent play. A great story, and one that will be continue to be told here for at least two more years. — Jacob Louque

The best blocking fullback in the league remains with the number-one rushing team for a few more years. Ricard has earned every cent of this contract since walking into the Ravens facility as an undrafted defensive tackle out of Maine. It’s hard to find another player more willing to stick his head down and do the dirty work with barely any recognition outside of Baltimore’s fan base. Ricard is one of the biggest reasons the Ravens have the best and most physically imposing rushing attack in the entire NFL. That’s not even to mention what Ricard offers as a defensive lineman in needed instances. Two-way players are hard to come by these days but Ricard is carrying that title with pride. — Dustin Cox

Eric Decosta has stayed true to his goal of locking up players early on expiring deals, this time with two-way breakout player Patrick Ricard. The extension ensures he is in a Ravens uniform through the 2021 season, lead blocking for Jackson and the most prolific rushing attack in the NFL. Ricard is one of the key players who have made the culture around this organization thrive. He brings a punishing, physical mentality to the offense and has been stellar lead blocking for Jackson & Co. thus far in 2019. Looking forward to seeing Project Pat in a Ravens uniform for the foreseeable future! — Eric Misotti