Giants Sign Veteran Fullback to Boost Cam Skattebo's Comeback

Patrick Ricard's addition as lead blocker could elevate the Giants' rushing attack in 2026.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:56am

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The New York Giants have signed former Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard in free agency, reuniting him with head coach John Harbaugh. Ricard, a six-time Pro Bowler known as "Pancake Pat", is expected to serve as the lead blocker for star running back Cam Skattebo, who is returning from a serious injury that sidelined him in 2025. The Giants are transitioning to a power-running offense, and Ricard's addition could be a key piece in elevating their ground game.

Why it matters

The Giants had the fifth-best rushing attack in the NFL last season, and the addition of Ricard as Skattebo's lead blocker could make their rushing offense one of the most physical and dominant in the league. Harbaugh's smashmouth style of football could thrive in the NFC East, and the Giants are positioning themselves to be a force on the ground in 2026 and beyond.

The details

Ricard, a former defensive tackle-turned-fullback, spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Ravens under Harbaugh. He established himself as one of the premier lead blockers in the NFL, helping pave the way for the Ravens' dominant rushing attack. Skattebo, a rising star who missed most of 2025 due to injury, reportedly helped recruit Ricard to join the Giants, excited at the prospect of having the veteran fullback leading the way.

  • Ricard signed with the Giants in free agency in March 2026.
  • Skattebo is expected to return to the field for the Giants in the 2026 season after missing most of 2025 due to injury.

The players

Patrick Ricard

A six-time Pro Bowl fullback who spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, known for his physicality and ability as a lead blocker.

Cam Skattebo

The Giants' star running back who is returning from a serious injury that sidelined him for most of the 2025 season.

John Harbaugh

The head coach of the New York Giants, known for his smashmouth, power-running style of offense from his time with the Ravens.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to work with him and get to know him more”

— Patrick Ricard (Giants Videos)

“John Harbaugh might have tipped his hand on his offensive approach with the signing of the six-time Pro Bowl fullback. Over nine seasons, the knockdown specialist known as "Pancake Pat" has served as the lead blocker for the Ravens' dominant ground game. He'll now join his former head coach in New York, where the Giants appear to be transitioning into a power running attack with Cam Skattebo positioned as the featured back.”

— Bucky Brooks, NFL.com Analyst (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Giants will look to integrate Ricard into their offense during the offseason program and training camp, with the goal of having him fully up to speed as Skattebo's lead blocker by the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The signing of veteran fullback Patrick Ricard is a savvy move by the Giants that could pay major dividends for their rushing attack in 2026. Reuniting Ricard with head coach John Harbaugh's power-running scheme, and pairing him with the dynamic Cam Skattebo, gives the Giants the potential to field one of the most physical and dominant ground games in the NFL.