Ravens FB Patrick Ricard Could Be Cut or Traded to Free Up Cap Space
Now that the Super Bowl has concluded, teams are shifting their focus to free agency. The Baltimore Ravens, however, face a challenging situation with limited cap space and a significant number of free agents to address.
Glenn Erby, a writer for USA Today’s Ravens Wire, has proposed a controversial but potentially beneficial move for the team. Erby suggests that the Ravens consider cutting or trading fullback Patrick Ricard.
By parting ways with Ricard, the Ravens would clear $4 million in cap space, with only $1.1 million in dead cap. This move could prove crucial for a team struggling with limited financial resources. At present, the Ravens only have $7.3 million available, according to OverTheCap.
Ricard is entering the final year of his contract, which includes a $4 million base salary for 2024. Moving on from the veteran fullback would allow the Ravens to explore other options in terms of player acquisitions. In the past, they have successfully brought in players like Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney.
One possibility is for the Ravens to approach Ricard and request a pay cut or contract restructuring. This could potentially reduce his salary cap number. However, Ricard may also decide to part ways with the team if they are unable to meet his financial expectations.
Since joining the Ravens as an undrafted player in 2017, Ricard has been a valuable asset on both the defensive line and as a fullback. He has earned Pro Bowl honors four times and was named to the All-Pro Second Team in 2023. Despite his contributions, the fullback position is not considered a premium role in the pass-oriented nature of today’s NFL.
This season, Ricard saw a decrease in playing time as the Ravens shifted towards a more open style of play. His snap percentage on offense was just 39%, the second lowest of his career as a full-time fullback.
Overall, cutting or trading Ricard could provide the Ravens with much-needed cap space to address their roster needs. While this move may upset some fans, it could ultimately benefit the team in the long run.
The Baltimore Ravens have dominated the rushing game, leading the league in both rush attempts and rush yards, as reported by Pro Football Reference. However, they are now looking to bolster their passing attack with the recent acquisitions of wide receivers Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham in the draft and free agency, respectively.
Despite the team’s focus on rushing, quarterback Lamar Jackson managed to set a new personal record this season with 3,678 passing yards. It’s worth noting that this impressive feat was achieved alongside the top-ranked rushing attack. Additionally, fullback Patrick Ricard had no rushing attempts this season, marking the first time since 2019. He did, however, contribute with 5 receptions through the air, which is also his lowest career total since becoming a full-time fullback.
The Ravens currently face the challenge of dealing with 23 free agents, many of whom have played significant roles in the team’s success. With limited cap space available, it may be difficult for the Ravens to retain all of these key contributors. This situation raises questions about the financial feasibility of keeping a highly-paid fullback like Ricard, whose cap hit is the second highest in the league for his position, only behind the San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk.
General manager Eric DeCosta must make tough decisions regarding the team’s key players, including defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, linebacker Patrick Queen, safety Geno Stone, and offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler. It is unlikely that the Ravens will be able to retain all of these players, but every dollar saved will make a difference.
To create the necessary cap space, DeCosta has several options at his disposal. However, one potential move that could be less disruptive to the team’s plans moving forward is parting ways with Ricard, who has become a fan favorite. This decision would free up valuable cap space for the Ravens to address their other pressing needs.
Tony Vozza, an experienced sports reporter, covers the latest news and updates in the NFL and MLB for readers.
According to the Source heavy.com