The Baltimore Ravens have signed running back Ray Rice to a five-year contract, general manager/executive vice president Ozzie Newsome announced Monday afternoon. The deal is to be worth a reported $40 million over 5 years with $25 million in the first two years and $17 million in the first year.
Rice visited the team’s facility and said he will address the new contract after spending time with his family and friends. This will likely take place when Rice reports to training camp next Wednesday (July 25).
“This is another example of Steve Bisciotti’s commitment to the team and to our fans to retain our core players,” Newsome stated in a team press release. “Ray has been an integral part of us earning the playoffs in each of his four seasons, and that includes helping us get to two AFC Championship games. His production on the field speaks for itself, and his leadership in the locker room is outstanding.
“I should say something about his community efforts; I think they are almost unmatched by any player in the NFL. You’d have a hard time finding a player who does more or is as serious about helping others as Ray is. He is one of those players you can proudly say, ‘He’s on our team.’”
Rice, 25, is entering his fifth NFL season after being designated with the Ravens’ franchise tag in February. Baltimore originally selected the 5-8, 212-pounder in the second round (55th overall) of the 2008 Draft.
The Ravens and Rice had until Monday afternoon at 4 p.m. to reach a deal before the deadline. Rice has been a solid back throughout his time in a Ravens uniform and a star in the community.
