Former Ravens FB/TE Ben Mason signs with Patriots’ Practice Squad
The Baltimore Ravens rarely move on from rookies that they draft. They trust their decision makers to select talent that can contribute early on as well as grow, and throughout their franchise history they’ve been able to do that. However, not every pick is perfect, and certainly not every selection pans out.
After trading away rookie cornerback Shaun Wade to the New England Patriots in exchange for multiple draft picks, Baltimore saw New England take another one of their 2021 selections, although this time it wasn’t a mutual agreement.
The #Patriots are signing fullback Ben Mason, source said, as the former #Ravens fifth rounder lands on the NE practice squad with a quick elevation likely.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2021
The selection of Mason was a questionable one from the start. It’s fair to wonder how many other teams liked the fullback and were ready to take him after Baltimore’s selection at No. 184, but the fact that he passed through waivers unclaimed tells a lot in that regard.
It was hard to justify the Ravens keeping Mason on the roster, as he and fellow fullback Patrick Ricard are very similar players. With how much depth Baltimore needed at other positions, there just wasn’t room on the final team for the rookie.
The Ravens would have probably loved for Mason to be a part of their practice squad, so the fact that it looks like he spurned Baltimore to go to the Patriots probably stings. In fact, head coach John Harbaugh did not sound happy after practice on Wednesday when asked about Mason.
Ravens FB Ben Mason, a fifth-round pick this year, was cut yesterday and was not among the team's immediate practice squad signings.
Is Mason still in the Ravens' plans?
"I'm not going to comment on those things," coach John Harbaugh said. "He can announce his own plans."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 1, 2021
The whole Mason situation was an odd one from the start. However, the team saw a talented player that they felt could contribute. It’s safe to say it didn’t work out that way, and the pick could have probably been used in a better way. Despite that, Mason most likely wasn’t going to contribute on the field a lot during the 2021 season, and if needed, the Ravens can find another quality fullback elsewhere.
