Ravens' Ngata Signs One-Year, $12.5 Million Tender

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- The agent for Baltimore's Haloti Ngata says the Ravens' Pro Bowl defensive tackle has signed his $12.5 million, one-year franchise tender.

Mike McCartney said Wednesday the deal had been signed. The Ravens designated Ngata as their franchise player earlier this month, but want to sign him to a long-term deal eventually.

By using the franchise tag on Ngata and paying him the average of the top five salaries at his position, the Ravens prevented him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Voted the Ravens' Most Valuable Player last year, Ngata is a two-time Pro Bowl selection regarded as one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the league.

The 6'4", 350-pounder recorded 65 tackles last season with a career-high 5 1/2 sacks to go with five pass deflections and one fumble recovery.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)