Ravens Strike Deal With Webb

Baltimore Ravens third-round cornerback Lardarius Webb has agreed to a three-year, $1.714 million contract, according to a league source. Webb received a signing bonus of slightly higher than $529,500, per our source. His base salaries are $310,000 for 2009, $395,000 for 2010 and $480,000 for 2011. Webb, who played at Nicholls State (La.), is a two-time Division I-AA All-American selection with the versatility to play cornerback, safety and return kicks. The Southern Mississippi transfer intercepted seven career passes and recorded 179 tackles, three sacks and returned three kickoffs for touchdowns. As a senior last year, Webb recovered two fumbles, forced another and picked off two passes while notching 50 solo tackles. Webb has drawn praise from the coaching staff. “The fact that he can play both positions was a real positive when we drafted him,” said defensive coordinator Greg Mattison at the Ravens’ recent rookie minicamp. “The thing you have to decide now is, ‘Where can he get the most work to make him the best he can be?’ “He’s so flexible to be able to be a corner and he has played safety and special teams. All of those things are real positives for him.” Now, the Ravens have just two more unsigned rookie draft picks: first-round offensive tackle Michael Oher (Ole Mis) and second-round defensive end-outside linebacker Paul Kruger (Utah). Webb, who has recovered from a strained hamstring, is expected to compete for playing time as a nickel back. He could also push for playing time on special teams. “Webb is doing a nice job,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said recently. “He showed a lot of quickness and has a good understanding of the defense for a rookie. The fact that he plays safety and corner is going to be helpful throughout his career, but it’s going to help us in camp, too.”