The Ravens have signed their first free agent of the offseason.
Cornerback Corey Graham, late of the Bears, told the Chicago Tribune that he has agreed to terms with the team on a two-year deal and will sign with them on Friday. Graham visited with the Seahawks and Lions before settling on the Ravens, but said that he also gave the Bears a chance to keep him in Chicago.
“I believe it’s a better situation for me and a better opportunity with a fresh start,” Graham said. “I gave the Bears every opportunity but they moved on. All around, Baltimore is just a better deal for me and my family.”
Graham played just 87 snaps on defense for the Bears in 2011. It’s unclear if he’ll wind up seeing more in Baltimore, although he told the Tribune that he wants that opportunity. Graham projects to be fourth on the depth chart at corner for the Ravens behind Lardarius Webb, Jimmy Smith and Cary Williams.
Baltimore was likely drawn to his ability on special teams, where Graham ranks third in the NFL since 2007 with 75 tackles. The Ravens lost key special teamers Haruki Nakamura and Tom Zbikowski as free agents earlier this month. Brendon Ayanbadejo, another contributor to those units, is also a free agent.