Ravens re-sign WR Mason for 2 years
March 10, 2010
BALTIMORE (AP)—After twice reaching outside the organization to enhance theirwide receiving corps, the Baltimore Ravens secured one of their own Wednesdaynight: two-time Pro Bowl player Derrick Mason(notes).
Mason, an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a two-year deal with the teamhe joined in 2005.
Mason’s future with the Ravens appeared unclear after the Ravens obtainedfree agent wideout Donte’ Stallworth(notes) and traded for Anquan Boldin(notes). Mason hintedafter the 2009 season that he might retire, and there was also a chance he wouldsign with another team.
But now he’s set to end his career with Baltimore, and his return assuresthird-year quarterback Joe Flacco(notes) a familiar target to go with Stallworth andBoldin.
“This is outstanding, just great news for the Ravens,” coach John Harbaughsaid. “Our coaches are happy. Derrick’s teammates are happy and you know Joe issmiling. … We would have lost something special if Derrick had gone to anotherteam. We have gotten better in the last couple of days.”
The announcement comes just two days after Boldin signed a four-yearcontract with Baltimore. Boldin had 84 catches for 1,024 yards and fourtouchdowns last season with Arizona.
The 36-year-old Mason had 73 receptions for 1,028 yards and seven touchdownsin 2009. He started all 16 games and became the 23rd player in NFL history with800 career catches.
Before the season, he announced his retirement and then returned duringtraining camp. Then, after the Ravens were eliminated in the playoffs byIndianapolis, Mason indicated he would again consider ending his career.
Instead, he will spend the next few months preparing for his 14th NFLseason.
“I’m getting myself ready to play football and help the Ravens win,” Masonsaid. “But the first thing I am going to do is take my family on vacation. I’llsee everybody back in Baltimore soon.”
Baltimore entered the offseason intent upon improving at the wide receiverposition. Running back Ray Rice(notes) led the team with 78 catches, and no wideoutbesides Mason had more than 34 receptions.
That should change in 2010 with addition of Boldin and Stallworth, alongwith the re-signing of Mason.
“We know exactly what we’re getting with Derrick and that’s production,”general manager Ozzie Newsome said. “Every Ravens fan knows what Derrick bringsto this team. It’s reliability, toughness, leadership, the fight to win, thewant of the ball in the clutch times. He has a two-year history with Joe thatsays ‘we know how to produce together.’ They are on the same page.”
Mason played eight years with the Tennessee Titans before coming toBaltimore as a free agent. He made the Pro Bowl in 2000 and 2003, and has 863career receptions for 11,089 yards and 59 touchdowns.