Ravens reward punter Koch with five-year contract

The Ravens agreed to a five-year deal with Sam Koch, the punter's agent told *The Baltimore Sun* on Tuesday.

"I can tell you that Sam is very pleased with the contract and he is excited to be staying home in Baltimore for at least another five years," agent Steve Mudder said. "Sam is a Raven to his core, and this long-term deal is what he has wanted ever since his rookie contract expired after the 2008 season."

The Ravens later confirmed the deal and said it was signed. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

"We believe that we have the best punter and holder in the NFL, and we wanted to make sure he stayed a Raven," Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said in a statement released by the team. "Sam is a hard worker, a solid person and a great family man. He represents the Ravens and the City of Baltimore very well. I am proud and happy that he will be a big part of where we are taking our team."

Koch, a Pro Bowl alternate who could have been a free agent this offseason, has spent his entire five-year career with the Ravens, averaging 43.7 yards per punt. He had a career-best 39 punts downed inside the 20-yard line this past season.

Koch is the franchise's all-time leading punter in attempts (402), yards (17,587) and punts inside the 20 (149).

The Ravens also reached a five-year, $15 million deal with kicker Billy Cundiff last week, according to The Associated Press.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.