The Ravens face some difficult decisions along their offensive line this offseason, but they’ve secured the unit’s most versatile player for the next three seasons.
Moments before Thursday’s practice in Owings Mills, Baltimore announced a three-year extension with right tackle Patrick Mekari through the 2024 season. Mekari, a 2019 undrafted free agent out of Cal-Berkeley, was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this offseason and receives a deal worth a reported $15.35 million with over $7 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network.
With former All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley unable to play this season following Week 1, Mekari moved into the starting right tackle spot and has started 10 games there with Alejandro Villanueva sliding over to Stanley’s blindside position after the opener. Mekari, 24, has also started games at center and right guard over a three-year career that includes 23 starts entering Sunday’s must-win meeting with the Los Angeles Rams.
“Pat is an easy decision. He’s tough and gritty, smart, versatile, and a five-position player who does everything the right way,” general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement released by the organization. “Congratulations to Pat and his family, and thank you for playing like a Raven.”
Such a financial commitment reflects how much the Ravens value the 6-foot-4, 308-pound Mekari, but what his role will be moving forward remains to be seen with center and offensive tackle both being potential question marks next season. Starting center Bradley Bozeman is set to become an unrestricted free agent while the 33-year-old Villanueva is scheduled to make $6 million next season and is a potential salary-cap casualty after struggling this season.
With Mekari now under contract for 2022, the Ravens now have five linemen under contract with NFL starting experience at either offensive tackle spot with Stanley, Villanueva, Tyre Phillips, and Ja’Wuan James being the others. Of course, all but Mekari carry significant concerns regarding their long-term health or performance level at this point, meaning DeCosta and the Ravens may not be finished addressing the position in the offseason.
According to Pro Football Focus, Mekari has graded as the 46th-best qualified offensive tackle in the league. While Mekari has been another steal in the Ravens’ long line of successful rookie free agents, his durability has been a concern at times with back problems in the past and ankle and hand injuries costing him four games and big parts of two others this season. However, his knowledge of the offense and ability to play all five positions on the offensive line made the decision to retain him a very easy one.
