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Former Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard.

The Baltimore Ravens and their fans had an emotional connection with fullback Patrick Ricard over 9 seasons, in which he went from an undrafted free agent to  a 6-time Pro Bowler and 3-time NFL All-Pro.

It turns out the feeling was mutual.

Ricard told NFL insider Jordan Schultz he cried after signing a record-setting free-agent contract with the New York Giants in March, where he’ll play for former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.

“So many memories,” Ricard said. “So many emotions. … I’m super grateful for my time (in Baltimore).”

Ricard’s 2-year, $7.63 million contract made him the highest-paid fullback in the NFL.

“Sources: Former Ravens 6x Pro Bowl FB Pat Ricard has agreed to a 2-year deal with the Giants to make him the highest-paid FB in the NFL,” Schultz wrote on his official X account on March 10. “Ricard leaves Baltimore after 9 incredible years and reunites with John Harbaugh.”

“Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard has agreed to terms with the Giants,” ESPN’s Jamison Hensley wrote on X. “Ricard reunites with coach John Harbaugh and one of his biggest supporters in Greg Roman, who is a senior offensive assistant with the Giants. Ricard is fourth former Raven to join Giants.”

Ricard was the 9th free agent and 8th starter to leave the Ravens in the 1st 2 days of free agency.

Ricard Took Unlikely Path to NFL Stardom

Ricard, 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, was an All-American defensive lineman at the University of Maine who made the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2017 — as a fullback.

In an interesting twist, Ricard replaced NFL All-Pro fullback Kyle Juszczyk on the Ravens after he left for the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. Ricard, a 6-time Pro Bowler, is also a 3-time NFL All-Pro, earning the honor each of the last 3 seasons.

While Ricard’s most effective use on offense has been as a devastating blocker — hence the nickname “Pancake Pat” — in terms of production, he’s been the most effective with the ball in his hand as a receiver, where he has 49 career receptions for 323 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Interestingly enough, Ricard has never scored on a rushing touchdown.

Ravens Could Use Rookie to Replace Patrick Ricard

The Ravens might have to get creative to replace Ricard, and that solution might come in 6-foot-3, 245-pound Alabama tight end Josh Cuevas, who was selected in the 5th round (No. 173 overall).

Cuevas could be the type of player who plays multiple positions in Baltimore’s offense — and might be the ideal fit to replace Ricard at fullback.

“Cuevas’ lack of ideal measurables could push some evaluators to slap him with a fullback label, but ‘combo tight end’ fits best,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft evaluation. “He attacks blocking assignments with better toughness and technique than most in the class. He squares blocks and strains to sustain whether in-line, from the slot or as a lead blocker. Cuevas pairs burst/route knowledge to compete against man coverage over the first two levels, and is a reliable target in traffic. He’s a well-rounded talent with the demeanor to become a productive pro.”