Lewis signs 7-year deal with Ravens

Ray Lewis officially signed his contract, and it locks him up longer than previously believed.

According to the NFL Players Association, the Pro Bowl middle linebacker officially signed a seven-year deal that totals $44.5 million, including $12.25 million in bonuses.

Because Lewis is turning 34 before the season, the Ravens probably are looking at this as a three-year deal but they are spreading the pro-rated bonuses over seven seasons. In the first three years of the contract, Lewis would earn $22 million, which was the reported deal last week.

This season, Lewis will receive a $6.25 million signing bonus, a $2.75 million roster bonus and $1 million in base salary. In 2010, the Ravens would need to pick up a $1.25 million roster bonus on Lewis and pay him $4.25 million in base salary. In 2011, there is a $2 million roster bonus and $4.5 million in base salary.

His base salaries in the final four years of the deal are: $4.95 million in 2012, $5.4 million in 2013, $5.85 million in 2014 and $6.3 million in 2015. Base salaries in the NFL are not guaranteed after a player is released.

(baltimoresun.com)