Ravens Add DeAndre Hopkins & Retain Patrick Ricard in Free Agency

The Baltimore Ravens made a splash in 2025 NFL Free Agency, signing five-time Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins and bringing back All-Pro fullback Patrick Ricard. Hopkins adds veteran leadership and red-zone dominance, while Ricard continues to pave the way for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ top-tier rushing attack. With these moves, Baltimore solidifies its offense as it eyes a Super Bowl run. Here’s how these additions will impact the Ravens in 2025.

Ravens Add Veteran WR DeAndre Hopkins on 1-Year, $6M Contract

It wouldn’t be a Ravens offseason if they didn’t sign a veteran wide receiver at some point. Sometimes it works out great and you get greats like Derrick Mason or Anquan Boldin. Recently the Ravens have gotten mediocre results from vets like Odell Beckham Jr. or Nelson Agholor. D-Hop feels like an in between kind of guy. He won’t be asked to do more than be the WR #3 in an offense with a ton of weapons. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman will continue to get a majority of the snaps, and no one uses more tight ends than the Ravens. Hopkins will be used as a big body target who can win one-on-one battles in tight spaces like 3rd down or red zone opportunities. At 33, Hopkins does not have the same game breaking abilities as his prime, but he will provide tremendous value as a 13-year veteran on and off the field. Even if a guy like “Nuk” is only here for one year, other players will learn from him and pass on his knowledge to the next guy that comes in.

DeAndre may not be the same guy who went to 5 Pro Bowls, but he still has some gas left in the tank. He had a 1000 yard season in 2023. Last season, he was traded midway through the season from Tennessee to Kansas City. He posted a combined 600 yards and 5 touchdowns as a part time starter. The stat to watch out for is a 70% catch rate. Hopkins is know for his spectacular catch ability. His glue-like hands will come in clutch at some point this season. He had some good moments for the Chiefs, like this 2 TD performance against Tampa Bay

The Ravens have brought in some great pass catchers over the years, but few have a resume as good as D-Hop. He has caught 83 touchdowns and gained nearly 13k yards receiving (21st all-time). He earned 5 all-pro nods, including 3 straight first team selections. For a time he was the best in the business. Now, in the twilight of his career, he’s earned the right to ring chase. Who better to team up with than Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry?

If you are a football nerd, here is a fun video of two legendary receivers, Cris Carter and Deandre Hopkins, talking about their awesome hands. The point is that Hopkins has massive mitts.

Patrick Ricard Stays in Baltimore: Re-Signs for 1 Year, $2.9M

Patrick Ricard said last season that he wanted to retire a Raven. Now, he will play at least 1 more season in Baltimore, trying to complete the elusive quest for a Super Bowl. Pancake Pat has been a key cog in the Ravens rushing attack ever since Lamar Jackson became a starter. Ricard is a 300-pound battering ram who has been selected to 5 pro bowls, and earned a first team all-pro nod this past season.

Fullback is a rare position in the modern NFL, and Ricard is a behemoth in an age of speed and finesse. Pat is one of the most unique weapons in the NFL. He is a fullback who is the size of an offensive lineman, but he can also run routes on occasion. His versatility, and Todd Monken’s use of pre snap motion make him a matchup nightmare any time he’s on offense.

Ricard’s cap hit is only $1.4 million, the front office was able to maintain financial flexibility, while still making him the 2nd-highest paid FB in 2025. Now that the Ravens have retained Ricard and tackle Ronnie Stanley, their run game will continue to be one of the best in the NFL.

Ravens Cut Veteran CB Arthur Maulet

Maulet was a big surprise in 2023 as a wrecking ball at the nickel corner position. Due to his performances and hard-nosed style, the Ravens gave him a 2-year extension last March. Arthur struggled with injuries last season starting in training camp, and he was limited to just 3 games. It shows how quickly things can change in football, a guy who was seen as a key part of the defense in preseason has now been released to save $2 million in cap space. The only corners left who played significant starters are Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins. Jalyn Armour-Davis and T.J. Tampa will get chances to shine in training camp, but reinforcements are needed. The Ravens have so far invested their remaining cap space on offense, now their attention will turn to the defensive side of the ball.

Looking Back at Day 1

The Ravens have been aggressive in free agency, making key moves to reinforce the offensive line and add playmakers on both sides of the ball. With Ronnie Stanley locked in and new additions like DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore is setting the stage for another deep playoff run.

Want the full breakdown of Day 1’s biggest signings and departures?

👉 Check out our Ravens Free Agency Recap: Day 1 for all the details.