Ravens, Michael Pierce Agree To Two-Year Extension
The Baltimore Ravens and starting defensive tackle Michael Pierce agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract extension on Saturday that carries him through the 2025 season, according to a source. The 31-year-old has 37 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 16 starts this season. Pierce began his NFL career with Baltimore in 2016 and played the first four seasons of his career with the Ravens before joining the Minnesota Vikings for one year in 2021. He returned to Baltimore last year and played in three games before becoming a full-fledged starter on the interior of the defensive line in 2023. The Ravens have the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye for the playoffs locked up, so Pierce most likely won't play a full game in the Week 18 regular season finale on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce (biceps) suffered a torn biceps in the Week 3 win over the New England Patriots, but there is no definitive word yet on how the team will proceed and if Pierce can make it back at some point this year, according to sources. Pierce will undergo further tests. Typically, a torn biceps will keep a player out for the entire season, so the 29-year-old defensive lineman is looking at a lengthy absence. Through the first three weeks of the season, Pierce had only six tackles (four solo), a QB hit and a forced fumble for the Ravens defense.
The Baltimore Ravens have signed defensive tackle Michael Pierce. The veteran nose tackle will receive a three-year deal worth $16 million. This will be a reunion for Pierce who played his first four seasons of his career with the Ravens. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, but sat out the season due to COVID-19 concerns. Pierce only managed to play in eight games for the Vikings due to a torn triceps last season. He was reliable during his time in Baltimore. A solid gamble for an above average tackle who defends the run well.
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Michael Pierce (calf) suffered a calf injury while training, and his availability for the start of training camp is now in doubt, according to a source. Pierce might wind up missing some time this month, but it's not expected to keep him off the field to begin the regular season. The 28-year-old sat out his first season in Minnesota due to concerns over COVID-19 last year, but he should be available for Week 1, barring any setbacks. In his first four seasons in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, Pierce had 151 tackles (13 for loss), 13 QB hits, four fumble recoveries and 3.5 sacks in 60 games (30 starts). He's off the radar in IDP leagues as an interior defensive lineman.
The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce on a three-year, $27 million deal on Wednesday, according to a source. The deal can be worth a total of $28 million and he'll receive $18 million guaranteed with the chance to be back on the open market at age 30. Pierce will help fill the hole left by Linval Joseph on the interior of Minnesota's defensive line. The 27-year-old isn't a fantasy option in IDP leagues, but he'll help plug the holes up the middle for the Vikings. Pierce had 35 tackles (19 solo), half a sack and two fumble recoveries in 14 games for the Ravens in 2019.
Michael Pierce, Matthew Judon Return To Practice For Ravens
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce (foot) and outside linebacker Matthew Judon (hamstring) were among four previously injured players back at practice on Wednesday. Rookie tight end Hayden Hurst and inside linebacker C.J. Mosley were the other players that were able to practice on Wednesday. Pierce sat out the game against the Broncos, although like Mosley, he was said to be close to being able to play in Week 3. In the meantime, Judon was forced to leave last week's contest after aggravating a pre-existing hamstring injury that caused him to be listed as questionable for the game. Pierce, Mosley and Hurst were limited practice participants, while Judon was not on the team's report. All three defensive players play an important role on a unit that tops the league in total yards allowed, is second in passing yards allowed and fifth in points permitted. It would be a boost to a Ravens squad that held the Broncos to 14 points along with 293 total yards if any or all three defenders are able to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
