By Jason La Canfora | NFL Network
The Baltimore Ravens signed wide receiver Donte' Stallworth to a one-year deal Wednesday. The team will announce the move later, but will not hold a formal press conference until their offseason program begins in mid-March, allowing him time to meet teammates and coaches first before meeting the media.
"We've given a lot of thought to this, and we've done extensive research into Donte' beyond football," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "He made a huge mistake. There's no doubt about that. He has paid a significant price for that and, as he has said, he carries a heavy weight. As (Ravens owner) Steve (Bisciotti) said, we believe in second chances, and Donte' does deserve that.
"But, we've signed him because we want to get better, and we think he has a chance to help us."
Stallworth was just re-instated to the NFL by Commissioner Roger Goodell after being suspended for the 2009 season for his DUI crash which took the life of a driver in another car. The Browns, who Stallworth was playing for at the time, did not have interest in retaining his services and released him, but Stallworth worked out for several team after being re-instated.
"I've spent the last six months working hard with a trainer in case I got an opportunity to come back," Stallworth said. "I felt I had to work extra hard since I wasn't with a team. I'm ready to try and help the Ravens."
Stallworth spent Tuesday with the Ravens, who have a significant need at the receiver position, and had an impressive workout. He took a physical this morning and signed with the team around 11:30. The sides worked on the contract overnight, with the Ravens not wanting to let him leave town without a deal. Ravens coach John Harbaugh was on the Philadelphia staff while Stallworth was there, and other coaches on the staff have worked with him as well.
"He's the kind of person and player who can help us," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "It's clear that he is determined to play, that he has been working hard and that he wants to have a positive impact off the field, too. We're looking forward to working with him."
The Ravens are not done seeking help at receiver, according to sources, looking to expand their offense and add more weapons for young QB Joe Flacco. The team could re-sign veteran Derrick Mason, and are also very likely to explore options for top tier receivers like Brandon Marshall or Anquan Boldin.
The Baltimore Ravens signed wide receiver Donte' Stallworth to a one-year deal Wednesday. The team will announce the move later, but will not hold a formal press conference until their offseason program begins in mid-March, allowing him time to meet teammates and coaches first before meeting the media.
"We've given a lot of thought to this, and we've done extensive research into Donte' beyond football," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "He made a huge mistake. There's no doubt about that. He has paid a significant price for that and, as he has said, he carries a heavy weight. As (Ravens owner) Steve (Bisciotti) said, we believe in second chances, and Donte' does deserve that.
"But, we've signed him because we want to get better, and we think he has a chance to help us."
Stallworth was just re-instated to the NFL by Commissioner Roger Goodell after being suspended for the 2009 season for his DUI crash which took the life of a driver in another car. The Browns, who Stallworth was playing for at the time, did not have interest in retaining his services and released him, but Stallworth worked out for several team after being re-instated.
"I've spent the last six months working hard with a trainer in case I got an opportunity to come back," Stallworth said. "I felt I had to work extra hard since I wasn't with a team. I'm ready to try and help the Ravens."
Stallworth spent Tuesday with the Ravens, who have a significant need at the receiver position, and had an impressive workout. He took a physical this morning and signed with the team around 11:30. The sides worked on the contract overnight, with the Ravens not wanting to let him leave town without a deal. Ravens coach John Harbaugh was on the Philadelphia staff while Stallworth was there, and other coaches on the staff have worked with him as well.
"He's the kind of person and player who can help us," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "It's clear that he is determined to play, that he has been working hard and that he wants to have a positive impact off the field, too. We're looking forward to working with him."
The Ravens are not done seeking help at receiver, according to sources, looking to expand their offense and add more weapons for young QB Joe Flacco. The team could re-sign veteran Derrick Mason, and are also very likely to explore options for top tier receivers like Brandon Marshall or Anquan Boldin.
