Story by
Durham Smythe Could Replace Part of Patrick Ricard’s Role in Ravens Offense
- Story by
- Durham Smythe Could Replace Part of Patrick Ricard’s Role in Ravens Offense
Patrick Ricard has been a constant in the Ravens' backfield for nine years, helping create running lanes and giving Baltimore another physical presence near the line of scrimmage. With him gone, Durham Smythe could step into some of those responsibilities while still bringing a different skill set to the role.
The Ravens signed Smythe after he spent last season in Chicago with new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Baltimore's own staff has described Smythe as one of the NFL's better blocking tight ends and specifically pointed to his ability to function as a move blocker after Ricard's departure.
Advertisement
Smythe's New Opportunity
Jul 29, 2026; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Durham Smythe (80) during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Ricard operated as a more old-school blocking fullback for the Ravens, while Smythe has been moved around. More than 70% of his 334 offensive snaps came as a blocker last season. Declan Doyle worked with Smythe last year and helped Chicago develop one of the league's most productive rushing attacks, as the Bears ranked third at 144.5 rushing yards per game.
Doyle will likely carry over some of the rushing concepts he utilized in Chicago. He said in February that he wants Baltimore's offense to be physical, detailed and explosive, later emphasizing the importance of blocking throughout the formation. Smythe will likely be part of that equation. He might not be Baltimore's first-choice tight end, but his ability to move between second-tight-end, H-back and fullback alignments could make him an important piece of the Ravens' rushing attack.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Other Sports section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
