The Ravens took their first step in rebuilding the back end of their secondary by agreeing to a three-year deal in principle with safety Michael Huff Wednesday.
Huff, 30, has spent his entire career with the Oakland Raiders after being selected in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. He was released on March 12 as part of a cost-savings move for Oakland, where he was set to earn $8 million next season.
Huff's new deal is for three years, $6 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The team does not confirm salaries. Safety Ed Reed, who Huff will replace in Baltimore, got a reported three-year, $15 million deal from Houston.
Huff's addition continues the Ravens' moves to revamp their defense this offseason.
They lost six defensive starters from last year's Super Bowl squad: inside linebackers Ray Lewis and Dannell Ellerbe, outside linebacker Paul Kruger, cornerback Cary Williams, strong safety Bernard Pollard and free safety Ed Reed. But they've now picked up Huff, outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil and defensive linemen Chris Canty and Marcus Spears.
A free safety by nature, Huff is known for his ball-hawking and pass coverage, which should make him a good fit to step in for the departed Reed.
Huff is also versatile. He can play cornerback in a pinch, as he did for 14 games last season in Oakland due to injuries. He has played every position in the secondary.
Huff posted 71 tackles (46 solo), two interceptions and a career-high 15 passes defensed last year. Huff was an All-Pro in 2010 when he had 94 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions.
A 6-foot-0, 211-pounder, Huff will also bring some big hitting in the Ravens secondary, which was somewhat lost with the departure of Pollard.
He has only missed four games during his seven-year career, so he's durable as well.
Huff visited Dallas on Monday first, but did not sign with the cash-strapped Cowboys. The Irving, Texas native intercepted Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco at M&T Bank Stadium last year.
