Mar 8, 2007, 18:35 GMT
Baltimore, MD - With Jamal Lewis out of the picture, the Baltimore Ravens completed a trade on Thursday with the Buffalo Bills to obtain the rights to running back Willis McGahee.
The trade is pending a physical that is likely to take place on Friday. The Ravens will send three draft picks, two in this year's draft and one in 2008, to the Bills in exchange for the versatile tailback.
'This is a runner who can make people miss and has the explosion and speed to take it the distance,' said Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome. 'He also has the power and size to run inside. He's a viable receiver out of the backfield and is a good pass blocker, not something every back can do. He also plays physical and with toughness, which are things we pride ourselves on here.'
McGahee, a late first round pick in the 2003 draft, rushed for 990 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games last year for Buffalo. In his two seasons before his 2006 campaign, McGahee ran for a combined 2,375 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Miami-Florida product didn't play in his rookie season due to a knee injury suffered in a BCS Championship loss to Ohio State.
'Way to go Ozzie!' said Ravens head coach Brian Billick. 'We're getting a dynamic back who has the potential to diversify our running game. We've studied him, and he brings the same passion and preparation that is common to Miami players, like our Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Getting a player as good as Willis is another example of how Ozzie and his department size up the market and use our resources well.'
Baltimore cut Jamal Lewis on February 28th in hopes of re-signing him to a less expensive contract. Lewis, however, signed a one-year deal with divisional-rival Cleveland on Wednesday.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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