OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Cornerback Domonique Foxworth returned home on Friday, signing a four-year, $27.2 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens that included $16.5 million in guaranteed money.
"I've dreamed of playing here," said Foxworth, who starred at the University of Maryland after playing at nearby Western Tech in Catonsville. "When the Ravens got here, automatically we gravitated to them just like most of the city has because they are a hard-nosed, blue-collar football team."
Foxworth was introduced at a news conference at the Ravens' training complex.
A third-round pick in the 2005 draft by the Denver Broncos, he was traded to the Falcons for a seventh-round draft pick last year. The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder has four interceptions in 60 career games. Known for his speed, he's expected to start opposite Fabian Washington, which could leave veteran Samari Rolle on the outside looking in after declining to accept a reduction in pay.
The Ravens cut former Pro Bowl cornerback Chris McAlister recently, saving $8 million against the salary cap. "You can look at it as Domonique has replaced Chris," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "We have talked about 'have as many corners as you can.' I think they all find their way on the field at some point."
Foxworth started a career-high 10 games for the Falcons last year and had one interception.
"He's a topflight corner and a topflight corner in the Ravens mold," coach John Harbaugh said. "He's physical. He's hard-nosed. He's smart. He plays extremely hard, and he's willing to tackle."
Newsome, who acknowledging cutting veteran defensive end Marques Douglas, declined to answer questions regarding the status of free agent linebackers Ray Lewis and Bart Scott.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
