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

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.