OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has agreed to a four-year contract after being designated the team's franchise player.
The Ravens and Tucker had until 4 p.m. Friday to reach accord on a long-term deal. If no agreement was reached, Tucker would have been forced to play the 2016 season with the franchise tag or sit out the season.
Baltimore announced the deal late Friday afternoon.
General manager Ozzie Newsome says, ''Justin has become a cornerstone for our team, and we are happy to get this contract completed.''
Since joining the Ravens as a free agent in 2012, Tucker has made 130 of his 148 field goal tries - an 87.8 percent mark that ranks second-best in NFL history.
He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2013.
Tucker has connected on 10 game-winning field goals for the Ravens, including three last season when Baltimore went 5-11.
He was the sixth franchise player in team history.
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