Spears covets chance to play with Ravens, who signed former Cowboys end to aid rebuilt defense

BALTIMORE – Free agent defensive end Marcus Spears has signed with Baltimore to help the reigning Super Bowl champions' run defense.

The former Dallas Cowboys' first-round pick also believes playing in Baltimore will provide him the chance to get a championship ring of his own.

Released by the Cowboys last week after an eight-year run in Dallas, Spears signed a two-year contract with the Ravens on Monday.

Spears said Tuesday that joining the Ravens was a "no-brainer." The 6-foot-4, 315-pounder says his agent was contacted by three other teams, but Baltimore, with its winning tradition, "seemed like a great fit for me."

The addition of the 30-year-old Spears is one positive for the Ravens during an offseason they've already lost defensive starters Dannell Ellerbe, Paul Kruger and Cary Williams to free agency.