Baltimore Ravens Breaking News) Samari Rolle Re-Signed With The Baltimore Ravens

Samaris Back
Veteran cornerback Samari Rolle signed a four-year contract on Monday.
Apr 6, 2009, 3:06PM




Just over two weeks after he was released by the Ravens, cornerback Samari Rolle decided to come back to the team.


Rolle, 32, was at Ravens headquarters in Owings Mills, Md., Monday to sign a new four-year contract that will likely keep him in purple and black for the rest of his career.


It was hardly a foregone conclusion, however. At the time, Rolle had been telling reporters for days that he was about to be waived, even though no official word came from Ravens officials.


Even after his release, general manager Ozzie Newsome left the possibility of a Rolle return open. The 11-year veteran took one free agent visit - to former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and his New York Jets.


At first, with all the rumors out there, I wasnt sure if I would ever be back in this building, Rolle told BaltimoreRavens.com. Its been a few weeks, but eventually I knew that this was where I needed to be. Im happy to be back with the Ravens.


Over his past four seasons in Baltimore, Rolle emerged as a stoic leader in the locker room and on the field.


Originally a second-round draft pick of the Tennessee Titans in 1998, Rolle inspired many in 2007 when he bravely fought an adverse reaction to epilepsy medication and came back to play during the season, earning the Ed Block Courage Award from his teammates.


In 2008, Rolle started 10 games and totaled 27 tackles, three interceptions and 13 passes defensed.


But, he was waived March 18 as the Ravens signed free agent cornerback Domonique Foxworth as a probable starter and Chris Carr as a nickel back.


Rolle hopes those pieces will couple with a solid base that reached the AFC Championship last season to advance one game further next year.


Theyre laying a foundation here, explained Rolle. Weve lost some coaches and players, but were a group that has been together for a while. Everybody has the same goals, especially after getting to where we did last year.


Rolles veteran status will be key in the transition from Ryan to new defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, who previously was Baltimores linebackers coach.


Our relationship is good, stated Rolle. I spoke with him over the weekend, and I think hes the perfect guy for the job. Hes very thorough and doesnt over-coach. Hes going to do some good things for us.


The talent has always been here. I think everybody adapted quickly to [head coach John] Harbaughs style, and Im at the point in my career where it doesnt make sense to go move some place for a year or two.


Notable


Rolle is a big-time basketball fan, and weighed in with his thoughts about the North Carolina - Michigan State game Monday night that will decide the NCAA Mens Basketball Championship. I think Michigan State will play tough early, but Carolinas going to wear them down, he said with a smile. I think Carolina is going to prevail, 83-70. Quarterback Todd Bouman officially signed his one-year contract.

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[kwhit009]

We need him back in tennessee :(

[gauchebag]

"rest of his career" meant half of training camp. this guy is done

[bobaloog0g]

Schweet, Samari's a good guy, love to see him help us get another championship.

[xXxBAMthisisme123xXx]

yayyyyyyyy! :D:D:D

[Ravensboy1995]

Sweet, I like Samari.