FILE - In this Nov. 13, 2011, file photo, Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk holds the ball in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle. The old guard on the Ravens _ most notably Matt Birk, Ed Reed and Cory Redding _ realize time is running out in their relentless and thus far futile pursuit of a Super Bowl ring_ so they intend to make the most of this opportunity as they prepare to face the Houston Texans in an AFC divisional playoff game scheduled for Jan. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
AP
The Baltimore Ravens announced Friday that they have agreed in principle to a three-year contract with center Matt Birk.
Earlier this month, Florio reported that Birk had hoped to play “a couple more years.” The contract arrangement suggests the Ravens will let him do just that in Baltimore.
Birk turns 36 before the season. He has not missed a start since 2004, and is still playing at a high enough level that remaining a starter through 2013 looks like a good possibility.