OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) - The Baltimore Ravens
have matched the one-year, $3-million US offer sheet running Chester Taylor
signed last week with the Cleveland Browns.
The Ravens had until Wednesday
to match the offer for free-agent Taylor, the primary backup to Pro Bowler
Jamal Lewis, but opted to act Monday.
The deal includes a $2-million
base salary, a $1-million signing bonus and two $100,000 incentive clauses.
"This shows the continued commitment
of Steve Bisciotti to win and the flexibility of our cap that we can retain
a player like Chester," Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "Over
the last three years, Chester has been productive both when spelling Jamal
Lewis and when he has started for him.
"Keeping Chester makes us a
stronger and deeper team."
Taylor, slated to compete with
Lee Suggs for the Browns' starting tailback job, would receive $100,000 if
he makes the Pro Bowl and $100,000 if he rushes for 1,000 yards. It's unlikely
that those incentives will be triggered in 2005 because of Lewis's presence.
Taylor rushed for 714 yards and two touchdowns last season while catching
30 passes.