After six reliable seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, impending free agent Patrick Mekari is set to sign a new contract. Known for his versatility, the former undrafted free agent spent most of the 2024 season at guard but has plenty of experience at both tackle positions. While he’s not an All-Pro type of player, his ability to start at multiple positions should create interest across the league.
Sports contract website Spotrac recently released projections for the upcoming free agency period, and they believe the California product will earn a three-year, $31 million deal on the open market. While he won’t break the bank, it could be too much for a team like the Ravens. Baltimore only has $5.96 million in projected cap space and might prioritize left tackle Ronnie Stanley. If Mekari leaves, look for a team like the New Orleans Saints or New England Patriots to sign him.
Patrick Mekari’s Contract Could Price Him Out of Baltimore
On paper, the New Orleans Saints do not have the financial resources to outbid anyone. Currently sitting $54.1 million over the projected salary cap, New Orleans must restructure multiple contracts and make a few roster cuts just to comply with league financial requirements. Fortunately, General Manager Mickey Loomis excels at manipulating the salary cap and should be able to create some spending money once March rolls around.
New Orleans is in a unique situation, as the flawed roster and precarious salary cap situation would normally lead to a rebuild. However, Loomis and the Saints do not believe in rebuilding, as the team has kicked the can down the road for the better part of the decade and shows no signs of stopping now. This roster needs help, but the most pressing need is at the offensive line.
First-round pick Taliese Fuaga had an impressive rookie season and center Erik McCoy is as reliable as ever, but the other three starting positions could use some help. The former undrafted free agent has experience at guard and tackle and could be an upgrade at all three open starting spots. If the Saints can make the contract work, Patrick Mekari could be a godsend for this organization.
Helping Drake Maye
Patrick Mekari can play anywhere, and the New England Patriots need help everywhere. The team has their franchise quarterback in UNC’s Drake Maye, but he won’t survive long behind this atrocious offensive line. Michael Onwenu is an above-average guard and a passable tackle, but every other spot could use an upgrade. Vederian Lowe and Demontrey Jacobs were the worst two starting tackles in football, Cole Strange will probably move to center, and fourth-round pick Layden Robinson didn’t do much to inspire confidence in his future.
Mekari alone won’t fix this team, but he can be a key piece of this rebuild. Armed with over $120 million in projected cap space, the Patriots can give Patrick Mekari a $31 million contract and still afford to sign another starter along the offensive line and land a competent pass-catcher to complement Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, and Kayshon Boutte.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke – Imagn Images
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