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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Ravens Snag Ex-Seahawk Mccrary Defensive End Went Shopping After Seattle Landed Brown

Associated Press

The Baltimore Ravens signed free agent defensive end Michael McCrary to a three-year, $6 million contract Monday, a move that should enhance their dismal pass rush and allow them to trade the fourth draft pick.

McCrary, 26, started 13 games for the Seattle Seahawks last season and tied for the AFC lead with 13-1/2 sacks. After four seasons as mainly a reserve, the 6-foot-4, 270-pounder set career highs in sacks and tackles (76).

He will be on the right side of a line that last year had only 30 sacks and was last in the NFL in total defense.

“This is like a draft-day pick. Our problem was not getting to the passer, giving him too much time to throw,” owner Art Modell said. “This is part of the cure.

“We are intent in moving out of the fourth spot,” Modell said. “We might keep it, but we’re looking to trade if we can get some additional picks.”

The Ravens have 12 picks in the April 19-20 draft, and the thinking is one more wouldn’t hurt.

McCrary became expendable when Seattle signed free-agent linebacker Chad Brown. At that point, McCrary knew it was time to move on.

“I felt like if they really wanted me, they would have come after me more aggressively,” he said. “They were passive, and I took it as an insult.”