OWINGS MILLS -- The Baltimore Ravens signed former Super Bowl hero David Tyree on Tuesday, a transaction intended to provide an ace on special teams and bolster their depth at wide receiver.

Tyree tried out for the Ravens on Monday and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday before signing a one-year contract with Baltimore.  

Tyree, 29, is known for his dramatic helmet catch during the New York Giants' Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots two years ago where he secured the football against his helmet with his 32-yard reception setting up the Giants' game-winning score.

Tyree worked out for the Ravens earlier this season, also drawing interest from the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Rams.

"We've been looking at David Tyree for weeks now," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday night during his weekly WBAL radio program. "He came out of training camp with a couple of issues and he's been working hard to get those things healthy. We have had a ton of respect for him over the years as a special-teams player, as a wide receiver, as a football player.

"He's a football player, and he's going to help our team in whatever way he can, as soon as he can, to win football games. So, I think he'll be a good fit on our team and in our locker room with the way he plays and our guys will appreciate having him around."

The Ravens cut tight end Tony Curtis to create a roster spot for Tyree, whose presence could affect the gameday status of wide receiver Demetrius Williams.

Williams has yet to catch a pass this year after falling out of favor with the coaching staff.

For his career, the 6-foot, 206-pound Tyree has recorded 85 special-teams tackles.

Plus, Tyree has caught 54 career passes for 650 yards and four touchdowns since being drafted in the sixth round out of Syracuse in 2003.

In 2006, Tyree caught a career-high 19 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns.

Tyree spent last season on injured reserve due to a knee injury.

He battled numerous injuries during training camp prior to being cut by the Giants, including knee, hamstring and groin problems.

Three years ago, the Giants signed Tyree to a five-year, $6.5 million contract.

NOTES: Former Ravens kicker Matt Stover tried out for the Indianapolis Colts, but wasn't signed. ... Former Ravens wide receiver Yamon Figurs signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis  Capital.