The Ravens bolstered their defensive line rotation today by agreeing in principle on a 2 year deal with free agent Cory Redding. Redding, 29, is a versatile player capable of playing outside in a 3-4 defensive alignment on first and second downs and inside on third down.

The 6’4”, 295 pound Redding was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft, the 66th overall pick. He started all but three games during a five year stretch with Detroit (2004 – 2008). In 2007 Redding was tagged by the Lions as their non-exclusive franchise player, eventually agreeing to a seven year, $49 million deal that included $16 million in guarantees.

 Redding is clearly the Ravens answer for the loss of Dwan Edwards.

In a prepared statement Ozzie Newsome responded to the signing.

"This will sound a little like a broken record, but Cory is a guy who plays like a Raven.

"He hustles, he plays with intelligence, and he can play multiple positions like many of our defensive players. He's been a starter at both inside tackle and defensive end. And I am sure our coaches will use him in both positions."

Most recently Redding played for the Seahawks where he was traded in 2009 along with a fifth round draft pick for LB Julian Peterson. His best season came in 2006 when he recorded 70 tackles to go with a career high 8 sacks.