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Top 20 Free-Agent Signings in Ravens History
The Ravens have a rich draft history (three Hall of Famers), but some of Baltimore's most iconic players came via free agency.
![1. DE Michael McCrary (1997-2002)
The Ravens signed McCrary after he spent his first four seasons in Seattle. He was coming off a breakout campaign (13.5 sacks in 1996) when he joined Baltimore. After that, his career really took off. McCrary logged 51 regular-season sacks in Baltimore. He had six in the 2000 postseason alone, including two in Super Bowl XLVII. While Lewis, Woodson, Peter Boulware, Adams, Siragusa and others got a lot of attention on that record-setting defense, McCrary was a huge part of its success. McCrary edges Woodson out as a member of the Ravens Ring of Honor.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/kr2g1god5wbhri3qwj0x.jpg)
1. DE Michael McCrary (1997-2002)
The Ravens signed McCrary after he spent his first four seasons in Seattle. He was coming off a breakout campaign (13.5 sacks in 1996) when he joined Baltimore. After that, his career really took off. McCrary logged 51 regular-season sacks in Baltimore. He had six in the 2000 postseason alone, including two in Super Bowl XLVII. While Lewis, Woodson, Peter Boulware, Adams, Siragusa and others got a lot of attention on that record-setting defense, McCrary was a huge part of its success. McCrary edges Woodson out as a member of the Ravens Ring of Honor.
![2. S Rod Woodson (1998-2001)
The Hall of Famer came to Baltimore after 10 years in Pittsburgh and one in San Francisco. He took the Ravens defense to another level, not only individually but as a leader in the back end. Woodson registered 20 interceptions in four years in purple. He was the secondary's quiet leader in the historic 2000 Super Bowl defense. Alongside Sharpe, Woodson was a key mentor for Lewis, helping the young, fierce linebacker become a pro.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/onvyhrdrprzlqnt2bcbv.jpg)
2. S Rod Woodson (1998-2001)
The Hall of Famer came to Baltimore after 10 years in Pittsburgh and one in San Francisco. He took the Ravens defense to another level, not only individually but as a leader in the back end. Woodson registered 20 interceptions in four years in purple. He was the secondary's quiet leader in the historic 2000 Super Bowl defense. Alongside Sharpe, Woodson was a key mentor for Lewis, helping the young, fierce linebacker become a pro.
![3. WR Derrick Mason (2005-2010)
Ravens fans yearned for a big-time receiver and they got it when Baltimore inked Mason in 2005. He still stands as the Ravens' franchise receiving leader in catches (471) and yards (5,777). He posted four 1,000-yard seasons in his six years in Baltimore and was a big part of helping Joe Flacco launch his early career. Mason was a leader on four playoff teams and another gritty player.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/yrvm6l5aq9lzyu9kcxtr.jpg)
3. WR Derrick Mason (2005-2010)
Ravens fans yearned for a big-time receiver and they got it when Baltimore inked Mason in 2005. He still stands as the Ravens' franchise receiving leader in catches (471) and yards (5,777). He posted four 1,000-yard seasons in his six years in Baltimore and was a big part of helping Joe Flacco launch his early career. Mason was a leader on four playoff teams and another gritty player.
![4. WR Anquan Boldin (2010-2012)
Another technicality here because Boldin was a trade-and-sign. Still, he goes down as one of the Ravens' best deals because of his Super Bowl run dominance. In the 2012 playoffs, he caught 22 passes for 380 yards and four touchdowns. He took over the AFC championship game in New England. Boldin brought a hard-nosed edge to the Ravens' receiving corps for three years and had excellent production his entire tenure. Despite playing for four teams, including the Arizona Cardinals for seven years, Boldin retired a Raven.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/mrwa8dc0cndbxaseale6.jpg)
4. WR Anquan Boldin (2010-2012)
Another technicality here because Boldin was a trade-and-sign. Still, he goes down as one of the Ravens' best deals because of his Super Bowl run dominance. In the 2012 playoffs, he caught 22 passes for 380 yards and four touchdowns. He took over the AFC championship game in New England. Boldin brought a hard-nosed edge to the Ravens' receiving corps for three years and had excellent production his entire tenure. Despite playing for four teams, including the Arizona Cardinals for seven years, Boldin retired a Raven.
![5. TE Shannon Sharpe (2000-2001)
Sharpe only played two seasons in Baltimore, but he made them count. The Hall of Fame tight end led the Ravens in receiving during the 2000 Super Bowl season, hauling in 67 passes for 810 yards and five touchdowns. He and Jamal Lewis did a lot of the heavy lifting on offense that year. Sharpe was an instrumental leader and mentor, especially for a young Ray Lewis. Sharpe had 73 grabs for 811 yards and a Pro Bowl in his second year before passing the torch to Todd Heap.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/rokn4catyh8omgwfnu01.jpg)
5. TE Shannon Sharpe (2000-2001)
Sharpe only played two seasons in Baltimore, but he made them count. The Hall of Fame tight end led the Ravens in receiving during the 2000 Super Bowl season, hauling in 67 passes for 810 yards and five touchdowns. He and Jamal Lewis did a lot of the heavy lifting on offense that year. Sharpe was an instrumental leader and mentor, especially for a young Ray Lewis. Sharpe had 73 grabs for 811 yards and a Pro Bowl in his second year before passing the torch to Todd Heap.
![6. C Matt Birk (2009-2012)
Birk finished an excellent 15-year career with four seasons in Baltimore. He was the anchor in the middle of the offensive line, next to a young Marshal Yanda. Birk was a smart leader and gritty competitor. The Ravens' offensive line was a huge reason for the late-season offensive success. He was also a champion in the community and named the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2011.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/lmdvmvefaaxvmmlxug4u.jpg)
6. C Matt Birk (2009-2012)
Birk finished an excellent 15-year career with four seasons in Baltimore. He was the anchor in the middle of the offensive line, next to a young Marshal Yanda. Birk was a smart leader and gritty competitor. The Ravens' offensive line was a huge reason for the late-season offensive success. He was also a champion in the community and named the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2011.
![7. DT Sam Adams (2000-2001)
The Ravens signed Adams to a big-time deal before the 2000 season and he was an instrumental piece of the Super Bowl defense. Pairing with Tony Siragusa, Adams was an absolute monster up front, keeping Ray Lewis and the Ravens' other linebackers clean. He went to the Pro Bowl in both of his seasons in Baltimore.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/jxbakf059bkrhnsqmc5x.jpg)
7. DT Sam Adams (2000-2001)
The Ravens signed Adams to a big-time deal before the 2000 season and he was an instrumental piece of the Super Bowl defense. Pairing with Tony Siragusa, Adams was an absolute monster up front, keeping Ray Lewis and the Ravens' other linebackers clean. He went to the Pro Bowl in both of his seasons in Baltimore.
![8. WR/RS Jacoby Jones (2012-2014)
Jones didn't have the consistency or overall production as some of the players listed above, but the Ravens don't win the Super Bowl in 2012 without him. Jones was on the receiving end of the "Mile High Miracle" in Denver and his two touchdowns (108-yard kickoff and 56-yard reception) in Super Bowl XLVII could have made him the game's MVP. He had four touchdowns as a returner in 2012 alone.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/dxvi77qgq3nmi15nbkg7.jpg)
8. WR/RS Jacoby Jones (2012-2014)
Jones didn't have the consistency or overall production as some of the players listed above, but the Ravens don't win the Super Bowl in 2012 without him. Jones was on the receiving end of the "Mile High Miracle" in Denver and his two touchdowns (108-yard kickoff and 56-yard reception) in Super Bowl XLVII could have made him the game's MVP. He had four touchdowns as a returner in 2012 alone.
![9. RB Mark Ingram II (2019-current)
Ingram was a fantastic signing last offseason and had a very Weddle-like impact. Ingram was immediately beloved by teammates in the locker room, brought an infectious fun attitude, was a serious competitor on the field, and went to the Pro Bowl. He had 1,018 rushing yards and his 15 total touchdowns tied a franchise record. Ingram gets the nod because he was part of the best regular-season Ravens team in franchise history and the lead running back for a team that set the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single season. Lamar Jackson called Ingram "the heart of the team." Plus, he coined "Big Truss."](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/nlzgimjcckitmaumcags.jpg)
9. RB Mark Ingram II (2019-current)
Ingram was a fantastic signing last offseason and had a very Weddle-like impact. Ingram was immediately beloved by teammates in the locker room, brought an infectious fun attitude, was a serious competitor on the field, and went to the Pro Bowl. He had 1,018 rushing yards and his 15 total touchdowns tied a franchise record. Ingram gets the nod because he was part of the best regular-season Ravens team in franchise history and the lead running back for a team that set the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single season. Lamar Jackson called Ingram "the heart of the team." Plus, he coined "Big Truss."
![10. DT Tony Siragusa (1997-2001)
Siragusa came to Baltimore from Indianapolis, where he re-joined forces with Head Coach Ted Marchibroda. "Goose" established himself as a menace in the trenches and an absolute character off the field. The 2000 Super Bowl squad just wouldn't have been the same without Siragusa. He teamed up with Sam Adams to create a block-swallowing wall up front on the greatest defense of all-time. His belly flop on Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon knocked him out of the 2000 AFC championship.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/u27udjo6um57qseipad6.jpg)
10. DT Tony Siragusa (1997-2001)
Siragusa came to Baltimore from Indianapolis, where he re-joined forces with Head Coach Ted Marchibroda. "Goose" established himself as a menace in the trenches and an absolute character off the field. The 2000 Super Bowl squad just wouldn't have been the same without Siragusa. He teamed up with Sam Adams to create a block-swallowing wall up front on the greatest defense of all-time. His belly flop on Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon knocked him out of the 2000 AFC championship.
![11. NT Kelly Gregg (2001-2010)
Gregg was a reserve defensive tackle with the Philadelphia Eagles when Ozzie Newsome brought him to Baltimore. He turned into a full-time starter in his second season in purple and held that job for eight seasons. Nicknamed "Buddy Lee" for his blue-collar work ethic in the trenches, the 6-foot-0, 320-pounder helped anchor the Ravens' run defense for a long time. He was so Baltimore, but unfortunately never won a Super Bowl.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/qdod0zodq5bz07v0ench.jpg)
11. NT Kelly Gregg (2001-2010)
Gregg was a reserve defensive tackle with the Philadelphia Eagles when Ozzie Newsome brought him to Baltimore. He turned into a full-time starter in his second season in purple and held that job for eight seasons. Nicknamed "Buddy Lee" for his blue-collar work ethic in the trenches, the 6-foot-0, 320-pounder helped anchor the Ravens' run defense for a long time. He was so Baltimore, but unfortunately never won a Super Bowl.
![12. S Eric Weddle (2016-2018)
From the minute Weddle stepped onto campus, it was clear his infectious personality and love of the game would go over well in Baltimore. He was an immediate leader on and off the field and registered 10 interceptions in his first two seasons. Weddle's knowledge of the game provided some excellent chess matches with top quarterbacks and helped make the Ravens defense versatile and deceptive. He went to the Pro Bowl all three years in Baltimore.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/psnmosu4czco09mgznfy.jpg)
12. S Eric Weddle (2016-2018)
From the minute Weddle stepped onto campus, it was clear his infectious personality and love of the game would go over well in Baltimore. He was an immediate leader on and off the field and registered 10 interceptions in his first two seasons. Weddle's knowledge of the game provided some excellent chess matches with top quarterbacks and helped make the Ravens defense versatile and deceptive. He went to the Pro Bowl all three years in Baltimore.
![13. OLB Elvis Dumervil (2013-2016)
A fax machine snafu in Denver led to Dumervil being available and the Ravens pounced. He registered a whopping 34.5 sacks in his first there seasons in purple, including 17 in 2014 to finish third in the league. A no-nonsense guy in the locker room, Dumervil brought more leadership to Baltimore's defense and was a huge reason for a very good 2014 campaign as a team.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/c40nu2yyepmwbzpvcrr4.jpg)
13. OLB Elvis Dumervil (2013-2016)
A fax machine snafu in Denver led to Dumervil being available and the Ravens pounced. He registered a whopping 34.5 sacks in his first there seasons in purple, including 17 in 2014 to finish third in the league. A no-nonsense guy in the locker room, Dumervil brought more leadership to Baltimore's defense and was a huge reason for a very good 2014 campaign as a team.
![14. WR Steve Smith Sr. (2014-2016)
Smith brought an unmatched bite to the Ravens' offense during his three-year stint in Baltimore. After coming over from Carolina, he had a spectacular first season in purple with 79 catches for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns. He tore his Achilles midway through the following season but returned for one more strong year before retiring after 16 NFL seasons. Smith was also excellent in the Baltimore community. There was never a Raven quite like Smith.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/mwj19ryrafz3l4cndanp.jpg)
14. WR Steve Smith Sr. (2014-2016)
Smith brought an unmatched bite to the Ravens' offense during his three-year stint in Baltimore. After coming over from Carolina, he had a spectacular first season in purple with 79 catches for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns. He tore his Achilles midway through the following season but returned for one more strong year before retiring after 16 NFL seasons. Smith was also excellent in the Baltimore community. There was never a Raven quite like Smith.
![15. S Earl Thomas III (2009-current)
Thomas was one of the Ravens' two big signings last season and he made an immediate splash. It took Thomas a bit to adjust after nine seasons in Seattle, but he had an interception on the Ravens' first defensive series of the season and erased many opportunities for big plays from opponents. Thomas was a leader in the secondary and was named to his seventh Pro Bowl.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/wdxixpjotm2t7sxlpzuf.jpg)
15. S Earl Thomas III (2009-current)
Thomas was one of the Ravens' two big signings last season and he made an immediate splash. It took Thomas a bit to adjust after nine seasons in Seattle, but he had an interception on the Ravens' first defensive series of the season and erased many opportunities for big plays from opponents. Thomas was a leader in the secondary and was named to his seventh Pro Bowl.
![16. RB Willis McGahee (2007-2010)
This was technically a trade-and-sign, but we'll count it for this list. The Ravens were McGahee's second and favorite stop during his 11-year career. He officially retired as a Raven a few months ago. He was a quintessential hard-nosed runner, churning out 1,207 rushing yards in a Pro Bowl 2007 season before splitting the lead role with Ray Rice in years following. He was a major part of the 2008 run to the AFC championship and scored 14 total touchdowns in 2009.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/sx1ttwfrlsvz9wpuvwgs.jpg)
16. RB Willis McGahee (2007-2010)
This was technically a trade-and-sign, but we'll count it for this list. The Ravens were McGahee's second and favorite stop during his 11-year career. He officially retired as a Raven a few months ago. He was a quintessential hard-nosed runner, churning out 1,207 rushing yards in a Pro Bowl 2007 season before splitting the lead role with Ray Rice in years following. He was a major part of the 2008 run to the AFC championship and scored 14 total touchdowns in 2009.
![17. WR Qadry Ismail (1999-2001)
Ismail led the Ravens' wide receivers in yardage for three straight seasons and had 1,000-yard campaigns in 1999 and 2001. While Jamal Lewis led the offense during the 2000 Super Bowl run, Ismail's big-play ability was a crucial threat.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/uyqvepdeuhsxk8znznen.jpg)
17. WR Qadry Ismail (1999-2001)
Ismail led the Ravens' wide receivers in yardage for three straight seasons and had 1,000-yard campaigns in 1999 and 2001. While Jamal Lewis led the offense during the 2000 Super Bowl run, Ismail's big-play ability was a crucial threat.
![18. DE Trevor Pryce (2006-2010)
Pryce was a premier pass rusher in Denver for nine seasons before he landed in Baltimore. He had a big 2006 season with 13 sacks, leading a team that had an eye-popping 60 sacks overall. Pryce had just 13 sacks in the four seasons following, however. He's still in Baltimore leading a digital animation studio.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/xen3lnepeivhpl4zgjkd.jpg)
18. DE Trevor Pryce (2006-2010)
Pryce was a premier pass rusher in Denver for nine seasons before he landed in Baltimore. He had a big 2006 season with 13 sacks, leading a team that had an eye-popping 60 sacks overall. Pryce had just 13 sacks in the four seasons following, however. He's still in Baltimore leading a digital animation studio.
![19. QB Steve McNair (2006-2007)
The Ravens were quite familiar with McNair – a longtime Tennessee Titan rival – when they signed him to take over as their offensive leader. He served that role for – up until this year – the best regular-season team in franchise history at 13-3. McNair threw for 3,050 yards, 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2006. He started just six games the following season and retired afterwards.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/yp8lbtfhud44kpzgizxa.jpg)
19. QB Steve McNair (2006-2007)
The Ravens were quite familiar with McNair – a longtime Tennessee Titan rival – when they signed him to take over as their offensive leader. He served that role for – up until this year – the best regular-season team in franchise history at 13-3. McNair threw for 3,050 yards, 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2006. He started just six games the following season and retired afterwards.
![20. CB Brandon Carr (2017-current)
Without much fanfare, Carr has been exactly what the Ravens signed up for three years ago and more. He's been dependable (still hasn't missed a start in 13 NFL seasons), a role model for teammates, a leader in the community and underappreciated really good player between the white lines. Carr has six interceptions in three seasons and even shifted to a hybrid safety role in 2019 to help the team. The Ravens have twice picked up the option on a four-year deal he signed in 2017. He just beat out Samari Rolle (2005-2008) for this spot.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/dkdcepsaaj1nzqqmmh9s.jpg)
20. CB Brandon Carr (2017-current)
Without much fanfare, Carr has been exactly what the Ravens signed up for three years ago and more. He's been dependable (still hasn't missed a start in 13 NFL seasons), a role model for teammates, a leader in the community and underappreciated really good player between the white lines. Carr has six interceptions in three seasons and even shifted to a hybrid safety role in 2019 to help the team. The Ravens have twice picked up the option on a four-year deal he signed in 2017. He just beat out Samari Rolle (2005-2008) for this spot.