Patrick Ricard joins Giants, ready to pave the way for new backfield

The veteran fullback is reunited with coach John Harbaugh and eager to open holes for Cam Skattebo and the Giants' running game.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After nine seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, veteran fullback Patrick Ricard has signed a two-year, $7.63 million contract with the New York Giants. Ricard, who was the highest-paid fullback in the NFL, is reunited with head coach John Harbaugh and is excited to lead the way for Giants running back Cam Skattebo and the team's new-look backfield.

Why it matters

The signing of Ricard is seen as an inspired move by the Giants, who are looking to bolster their running game and provide a physical presence in front of their ball carriers. Ricard, known for his bruising blocking style, should help open up holes for Skattebo and any other running backs the Giants add to the roster.

The details

Ricard, a former defensive lineman in college, has evolved into one of the league's premier fullbacks over his nine-year career with the Ravens. Though he rarely gets the ball himself, Ricard has been a key part of Baltimore's successful ground game, helping pave the way for the likes of Derrick Henry, Mark Ingram, and J.K. Dobbins. The Giants are hoping he can have a similar impact in New York, providing a physical presence in front of their young, explosive backfield.

  • Ricard signed a two-year, $7.63 million contract with the Giants on March 13, 2026.
  • Ricard played nine seasons with the Ravens before joining the Giants.

The players

Patrick Ricard

A 300-pound fullback who has been selected to six Pro Bowls and earned first or second-team All-Pro honors in each of the past three seasons. Ricard is known for his bruising blocking style and has helped pave the way for some of the league's top running backs during his time with the Ravens.

Cam Skattebo

A 220-pound running back for the Giants who relishes contact and is expected to be a key part of the team's backfield alongside Ricard.

John Harbaugh

The head coach of the Giants, who previously coached Ricard for nine seasons with the Ravens.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's gonna look like a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns. It's gonna be physicality all over the place. It's gonna just be exactly what the people want to see.”

— Patrick Ricard, Fullback

“Very grateful for Coach Harbaugh. He's been in my corner my whole career, he's believed in me. And as soon as I saw he got the job here, I was definitely interested. I even told him, 'Look, if you were coaching a Pop Warner football team, I'm interested.' I'm there doing something, I don't even know if I'm the water boy.”

— Patrick Ricard, Fullback

What’s next

Ricard and the Giants' new-look backfield will look to make an immediate impact in the 2026 NFL season as they aim to improve upon the team's 8-8 record from the previous year.

The takeaway

The signing of Patrick Ricard is a clear indication that the Giants are committed to establishing a physical, run-first identity on offense. With Ricard leading the way, the team's young and talented backfield should have plenty of opportunities to make plays and help the Giants return to the playoffs.