Contract extension for Mulitalo

OWINGS MILLS, Md., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- The Baltimore Ravens Tuesday re-signed left guard Edwin Mulitalo to a seven-year contract, avoiding the possibility of losing him in the free agent market.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Mulitalo would have become an unrestricted free agent when the NFL signing period begins Friday, but he decided to stay with the team that drafted him in the fourth round four years ago.

Mulitalo, 28, has been a valuable member of the Ravens' offensive line. After establishing himself as the team's starting left guard late in his rookie season, he made the switch to right tackle last year, then moved back after three games.

"We may be tipping our hand, but Ed has said he wanted to get a deal done in Baltimore from the start," his agent, Ed Cunningham, told the Baltimore Sun. "He told me, 'If I can retire a Raven, I'll be a happy man.'"

Mulitalo gives the Ravens a punishing combination on the left side, joining All-Pro tackle Jonathan Ogden.

Baltimore is expected to return four starters to the line next season.