Ravens Retain Linebacker Bart Scott

Published: 3/12/06, 5:47 PM EDT

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) - The Baltimore Ravens re-signed linebacker Bart Scott on Sunday after he turned down a larger, longer-term offer from the Cleveland Browns.

Scott left the Browns' training complex after agreeing in principle to a three-year contract with Baltimore. The deal is worth $13.5 million, including a $6.5 million signing bonus.

The former undrafted free agent from Southern Illinois will earn base salaries of $1 million in 2006, $2.6 million in 2007 and $3.4 million in 2008.

Scott proved his worth last season, making 10 starts in relief of injured All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis. Scott recorded a career-high 119 tackles and four sacks in 2005.

Until last season, he was mostly known as a special-teams player and a versatile linebacker capable of playing safety in the Ravens' nickel package. Scott turned down a five-year contract offer from Browns general manager Phil Savage, the former Ravens director of player personnel.

"Bart is just thrilled to come back home," said Harold Lewis, Scott's agent.

The Ravens also agreed to a four-year deal with defensive tackle Justin Bannan.

Bannan played with Buffalo last season, replacing Sam Adams as a starter midway through the year and finished with a career-high 40 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks. In his four-year career, he has 78 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks. His deal includes a $3 million signing bonus, said his agent, Jack Mills.

"It's an excellent fit for Justin in Baltimore," Mills said. "Justin is an extremely high-effort guy who will be very productive and a positive force in the locker room."

credit BellSouth