NFL

Ray Rice Gets Paid, Agrees To New Deal With The Ravens

Earlier today, the Bears inked Matt Forte to a four-year contract extension. With a host of other franchise tendered players still negotiating deals right up until today’s deadline, Peter King of Sports Illustrated reported the Ravens were able to come to terms with Ray Rice. Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported the terms:

The Ravens just signed Ray Rice to a multiyear deal.

— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) July 16, 2012

Ray Rice signed a five-year, $40 million contract thaat includes $17 million in year one and $25 million in the first two years.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 16, 2012

The importance of this deal for Baltimore is it opens up the franchise tag to be used on Joe Flacco or Ed Reed, who have expiring contracts. Also: wasn’t running back supposed to be the league’s most expendable position? Based on the Forte and Rice deals, it looks like teams are still valuing ball-carriers (even if their shelf-life isn’t as long as players at other positions).

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