Chris

Board

Board returns to Baltimore, where he started his career. He is primarily a special-teams ace, starting three games at linebacker in six seasons. The 28-year-old has familiarity with new defensive coordinator Zach Orr, who was a defensive analyst with the Ravens when Board joined them. Expect Board to be a core special teamer for the Ravens, with room to get rotational snaps at linebacker as depth after Patrick Queen’s departure to the rival Steelers.

Board played in all 17 games for the Patriots last season but played almost exclusive on special teams. He appeared on only two defensive snaps, but was in on 406 special teams snaps while accounting for eight special teams tackles. An undrafted free agent from the 2018 class, Board should have a nice market as a special teams ace.

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the deal is worth up to $6.7 million. Board signed with the Lions last offseason. His role on defense was scaled back after leaving Baltimore, but Board remained a mainstay on special teams in Detroit. He did manage to make one start at linebacker for the Lions and totaled 160 defensive snaps. Last year, Bill Belichick said Board was “the best special teams player we’ll play against all year.” He noted Board’s combination of size and speed. With Board available on the open market this offseason, Belichick was able to land his man. Board will see most of his run on special teams in New England.

A former UDFA out of North Dakota State, Board has appeared in every game but two over the last four seasons, functioning as a stalwart on special teams and a reserve off-ball linebacker. He played on a career-best 33% of the defensive snaps last season. Board is expected to compete for a bigger defensive role in Detroit.

The deal is worth “up to” $2.683 million, and includes $1.6 million guaranteed. Board was a restricted free agent who is signing for less guaranteed money than the “low” tender of $2.133 million. The 25-year-old contributed 264 snaps on defense last season and featured on special teams. His role should remain similar for 2021.

After losing C.J. Mosley in free agency, the Ravens need to find a starter opposite Patrick Onwuasor. Fourth-round sophomore Kenny Young was expected to get the job, but Zrebiec believes Board has at least pulled even in the competition. Undrafted last year, Board played almost exclusively on special teams as a rookie.