Patrick Ricard Joins Giants, Following John Harbaugh to New York

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants continue to assemble a roster with a distinct Baltimore flavor, reportedly agreeing to a two-year deal with veteran fullback Patrick Ricard. The move sees the six-time Pro Bowler reunite with recently appointed Giants head coach John Harbaugh, marking the fourth former Baltimore Raven to join Harbaugh in New York this offseason. The deal, reported Tuesday, makes Ricard the highest-paid fullback in the NFL, though specific financial terms have not yet been disclosed.

Ricard, 31, has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense since entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Maine in 2017. Initially a two-way player, splitting time between defensive tackle and fullback, he transitioned to a full-time role on offense in 2020. Since then, Ricard has become known for his punishing blocks, earning the nickname “Pancake Pat” for consistently driving defenders into the ground.

A Key Piece of Baltimore’s Rushing Success

The impact of Ricard on the Ravens’ rushing attack is undeniable. Over the past seven seasons, Baltimore has amassed an NFL-best 20,078 rushing yards, a figure 3,662 yards greater than any other team in the league during that span. His 668 run block wins rank second among fullbacks over the same period, trailing only Kyle Juszczyk of the San Francisco 49ers. Ricard has consistently paved the way for a series of successful running backs, including Derrick Henry, Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards, and J.K. Dobbins, each of whom have surpassed 800 rushing yards in a single season while playing alongside him.

The Ravens’ reliance on Ricard was particularly evident last season. A calf injury sustained during training camp sidelined him for the first six games, and the team’s rushing attack noticeably suffered. During his absence, Baltimore averaged 126.2 rushing yards per game, seventh-best in the NFL. However, with Ricard back in the lineup for the remaining 11 games, the Ravens’ rushing average surged to a league-leading 173.2 yards per game, demonstrating his crucial role in their offensive success. The Ravens’ website detailed the stark contrast in rushing performance with and without Ricard.

Harbaugh’s Growing Baltimore Contingent in New York

Ricard isn’t the only former Raven making the move to the Giants. Harbaugh, who spent 15 seasons as the head coach of the Ravens before taking the helm in New York, has already brought over safety Ar’Darius Washington, tight end Isaiah Likely, and punter Jordan Stout. This influx of familiar faces suggests Harbaugh is intent on building a team culture rooted in the principles and personnel he successfully employed in Baltimore.

The Giants’ acquisition of Ricard addresses a need for a physical presence in the backfield. Fullbacks have become less common in the modern NFL, with many teams opting for more versatile offensive schemes. However, Harbaugh clearly values the contributions a traditional fullback can bring, particularly in short-yardage situations and as a lead blocker.

Ricard’s Journey from Undrafted Free Agent to Pro Bowl Regular

Ricard’s path to NFL stardom is a testament to his dedication, and versatility. Initially signed as an undrafted free agent, he carved out a niche for himself by excelling on both sides of the ball. In 2019, he became the first NFL player in a decade to play over 100 snaps on both offense and defense in the same season, showcasing his unique skillset. While he ultimately focused on offense, his defensive background provides him with a unique understanding of blocking angles and defensive schemes.

The Ravens have already begun to address the void left by Ricard’s departure, retaining undrafted rookie fullback Lucas Scott on their practice squad. However, replacing a six-time Pro Bowler and a key component of their offensive identity will be a significant challenge.

The Giants will look to integrate Ricard into their offense quickly, hoping he can replicate the success he enjoyed in Baltimore. His ability to open running lanes and provide reliable pass protection will be invaluable as they look to establish a more consistent running game.

The Giants will open the 2026 NFL season on September 13th against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. The addition of Ricard, along with the other former Ravens, will undoubtedly be a focal point as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Key Takeaways:

• Patrick Ricard signed a two-year deal with the New York Giants, becoming the highest-paid fullback in the NFL.
• The move reunites Ricard with head coach John Harbaugh, who previously coached him in Baltimore.
• Ricard was a key contributor to the Ravens’ consistently strong rushing attack, earning six Pro Bowl selections.
• He is the fourth former Raven to join Harbaugh in New York this offseason.

The Giants’ offseason moves suggest a clear emphasis on physicality and a return to a more traditional offensive approach. Fans will be eager to observe how Ricard and his former Ravens teammates perform in their new roles.