The Baltimore Ravens have reached a consensus on a two-year contract extension worth $7.5 million with Michael Pierce, according to a source informed ESPN’s Field Yates on Saturday. This agreement ensures that the starting nose tackle remains with the team, avoiding unrestricted free agency at the conclusion of the current season.
Expressing his gratitude, Pierce commented, “I didn’t expect it, but I’m super, super grateful that they want me back, and I’m just happy to be here. It’s home to me. So for me to be able to wrap my career up here, it’s a dream come true,” following the Ravens’ loss to the Steelers on Saturday.
At 31 years old, Pierce has been a consistent presence, starting in all 17 games for the Ravens’ defense, which currently boasts the lowest points allowed (16.4) and the fourth-fewest yards conceded (302.1) in the NFL this season. Initially signing a three-year, $16.5 million deal with Baltimore in 2022, he restructured his contract in March, positioning himself to become a free agent in 2024.
In his seventh NFL season, Pierce has demonstrated his prowess, ranking third on the team in run-stop win rate (36.9%) and securing the second-highest number of pass-rush wins among Baltimore defensive linemen with 19. Notably, he has significantly improved his durability, playing in double-digit games for the first time since 2019, with a career-high 655 snaps this season.
Reflecting on his journey, Pierce acknowledged, “I just walk out there with a different level of gratefulness. You don’t take any snap for granted when you had two years with injuries.”
Looking ahead, the Ravens are now focused on retaining defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, their top priority on the defensive line. Madubuike leads NFL interior linemen with 13 sacks and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the current season.
