The Baltimore Ravens have done a great job at retaining their own free agents on deals that make sense for both the player and the team. They’ve recently signed players such as fullback Patrick Ricard, tight end Nick Boyle, safety Chuck Clark and others to extensions that have been well-received.
On Thursday, Baltimore signed versatile offensive lineman Patrick Mekari to a three-year extension worth around $15.4 million. When Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was asked about the extension, he relayed just how happy was for Mekari, saying it was well-deserved.
“It’s just tremendous. You said it so well, that’s exactly what it is right there. He’s the best. He’s one of the best guys you’ll ever come across. He does all the things that if you’re a young player and you want to look at how to be successful in the National Football League, what priorities [to have], how to organize yourself, how to work [and] how to make the most of yourself as a football player, he’s the guy to look at, because he does it perfectly, day-in and day-out. I just have great admiration for him, great respect for him. [I’m] very happy for him; it’s well-deserved.”
Mekari has proven that he can play all five positions on the offensive line, something that is extremely valuable. He has spent time at center, guard and tackle over the course of his NFL career, but has broken out while playing at right tackle over the course of the 2021 season. He will be a depth piece on the Baltimore offensive line for years to come, and is also someone who can play high-quality snaps over a long period of time.