RB McGahee signs with Baltimore Ravens

BALTIMORE, March 8 (UPI) -- The Baltimore Ravens have obtained the rights to running back Willis McGahee from the Buffalo Bills, the NFL teams announced Thursday.

The Ravens found themselves in a hole at running back after cutting Jamal Lewis last week in a ploy to re-sign him to a less-expensive contract. Lewis, however, signed with Cleveland on Wednesday.

The McGahee deal between Baltimore and Buffalo is contingent on the running back passing a physical examination. If the trade goes through, the Bills will get two of the Ravens' spots in the 2007 draft and another in 2008.

McGahee, a late first round pick in the 2003 draft, rushed for 990 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games last year for Buffalo. In his two seasons before his 2006 campaign, McGahee ran for a combined 2,375 yards and 18 touchdowns. He played collegiately at Miami (Fla.).

Ravens Coach Brian Billick said: "We're getting a dynamic back who has the potential to diversify our running game. We've studied him, and he brings the same passion and preparation that is common to Miami players, like our Ray Lewis and Ed Reed."