After twice reaching outside the organization to enhance their receiving corps, the Ravens secured one of their own Wednesday night: two-time Pro Bowl pick Derrick Mason.
Mason, an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a two-year contract with the team that he joined in 2005.
Mason's future with the Ravens appeared unclear after the team obtained Donte' Stallworth in free agency and Anquan Boldin in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals. Mason hinted after the 2009 season that he might retire, and there also was a chance that he would sign with another team.
But now Mason, 36, is set to end his career in Baltimore, and his return assures third-year quarterback Joe Flacco a familiar target to go with Stallworth and Boldin.
"This is outstanding, just great news for the Ravens," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of Mason's return. "Our coaches are happy. Derrick's teammates are happy, and you know Joe is smiling. ... We would have lost something special if Derrick had gone to another team. We have gotten better in the last couple of days."