Ray Lewis likely will finish his NFL career in the city in which it started.
The 13-year veteran linebacker and the Baltimore Ravens agreed in principle on a multi-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.
Ray Lewis
, LB
Baltimore Ravens
2008 Statistics:
Tackles: 117
Sacks: 3.5
Interception: 3
Forced Fumbles: 2
NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that Lewis' deal is worth $22 million over three years. Lewis isn't expected to sign the contract for about another two weeks, due to the travel schedules of Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, general manager Ozzie Newsome and head coach John Harbaugh.
"From beginning to end as a Raven ... Wow! To be with the same team with the same fans for an entire career, that doesn't happen in the NFL," Lewis said in a statement released by the team. "The bottom line for me is that God always finishes first, and I prayed over this. Over the last six days, I took a backseat and waited to see what would happen. This is part of God's plan, and I couldn't be happier. For me to be here in an area that has become so important to me and my family, that's special, very special.
"I don't think an athlete can have a greater legacy than to be able to stay in one place for an entire career. I feel so fortunate that the Ravens did what they had to do to make this happen. Thank you. My heart is with the Ravens. My heart is with Baltimore and the great fans. What can I say? Here we go!"
Lewis received his 10th Pro Bowl berth this season after leading the NFL's second-ranked defense with 117 tackles. He also had 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
"What a great day for the Ravens," Harbaugh said in the statement. "To get the commitment from Ray means so much to the team, to the franchise and to our fans."
Also agreeing to a contract with the Ravens on Wednesday was six-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk, who had played all 11 of his NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Terms of the contract weren't disclosed.
"To add a player like Matt, who will also give us outstanding leadership, makes us a better team," Harbaugh said in the statement. "We're not standing pat. We're moving forward and getting better."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
