OWINGS MILLS, Md., April 24 (UPI) -- Quarterback Jeff Blake, who lost his starting job last season in New Orleans, Wednesday signed a one-year contract worth $750,000 with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens plan to start three-year veteran Chris Redman at the position in 2002.
"We're thrilled to have someone of Jeff's experience and proven ability," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "He will bring an energy to the club, and if for any reason, due to injury or performance, Chris is not able to go, then we feel fortunate to have a guy of Blake's caliber."
A 10-year veteran, Blake is the only experienced starting quarterback on Baltimore's roster. The Ravens waived 2001 starter Elvis Grbac after he refused to take a substantial pay cut and have yet to re-sign veteran Randall Cunningham.
Blake, 31, was released by the New Orleans Saints last month for salary cap purposes and was pursued by Buffalo. But the Bills opted to trade a first-round pick in 2003 to New England for Bledsoe, a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
The Ravens suffered numerous defections due to salary cap constraints, losing the likes of Grbac, tight end Shannon Sharpe, receiver Qadry Ismail, defensive tackle Sam Adams, linebacker Jamie Sharper and cornerback Duane Starks.
Blake was signed as a free agent by the Saints in 2000 and started 11 games that year before suffering a season-ending foot injury. Aaron Brooks took over at quarterback, leading the Saints to their first-ever playoff win and beating out Blake for the starting job in training camp last year.
Known for his accuracy on the deep pass, Blake completed 184 of 302 passes for 2,025 yards and 13 touchdowns with nine interceptions in 2000, but attempted just one pass last season as a backup.
