The Baltimore Ravens signed special teamer and former Pro Bowler Brendon Ayanbadejo on a four-year contract.

Although financial terms were not disclosed by the Ravens, local media estimated the deal to be worth $4.9 million (£2.5 million).

Ayanbadejo, a Pro Bowler with the Chicago Bears in 2006 and 2007, has recorded 124 special teams tackles in 80 career games at an average of 24.8 per year.

"There are various ways to improve a team and getting one of the best special teams players in the league is one way," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said.

"Brendon plays like a Raven. He has the toughness, intellect and leadership we look for in our players, and we had to throw coach (John) Harbaugh -- a former special teams coach -- a little bone with our first free agent."

Ayanbadejo, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 1999, has led or shared the lead in special teams tackles each season in which he has played.

The 31-year-old recorded 26 special teams tackles in 2007 and 28 in both 2006 and 2005 with the Bears.

Reuters