Whilst signing a contract extension with Lamar Jackson
is a priority for the Ravens, the team also needs to make decisions about
multiple other key players currently set to become free agents in 2022.
Fans – including Brandon Glickstein –
are keen to find out how the season will play out for key players Mark Andrews,
Patrick Ricard and Brandon Williams, who have all made the Pro Bowl in the past
three seasons.
Mark Andrews
Mark Andrews is 25 years old and has played as a tight
end for the Ravens since 2018. The Ravens run a tight end-friendly offensive
strategy and Andrews has proven himself to be one of the most productive tight
ends over the past two seasons, with 17 touchdowns and 122 catches to his name.
However, Andrews will not be a cheap signing, and the
estimated cost of Lamar Jackson will mean that budgets will have to be tighter
somewhere. Regardless, the current expectation is that Mark Andrews will still
be a Raven for the 2022 season.
Patrick Ricard
Patrick Ricard joined the Ravens in 2017 and is perhaps
the best blocking fullback currently in the league. Ricard has improved greatly
as a pass catcher, and his skillset is a perfect match for the Ravens’ offensive
strategy. He has become a key member of the Ravens’ lineup, with his
combination of versatility, size and strength setting him apart from the competition.
If Patrick Ricard’s contract demands are reasonable,
it looks likely that a deal will be finalized for the next season.
Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams has been a central component of the
Ravens for a long time, and when he isn’t present the team’s run defense has
struggled. The Ravens currently don’t have anyone who could step into Williams’
shoes if he departs, and his role in stopping runs is one that has always been
prioritized by management. However, he has missed games in three out of the four
seasons, and this will be of a concern to management.
Brandon Williams took a cut to his base salary this
year, and it is expected that he may either return at a reduced rate, or that
this will be his final season with the Ravens.
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