In a move anticipated for at least two months, the Baltimore Ravens reached a contract agreement with veteran fullback Sam Gash, one of the several players released by the team earlier this spring for salary cap reasons.

One of the game's best lead-blocking fullbacks in his prime, Gash will sign a one-year contract, and the deal is believed to be for the $750,000 minimum base salary for a player of his tenure. Gash, 33, tested the free agent market in the months after his release by the Ravens, but his intention all along was to return to Baltimore if the team offered him a deal.

The 10-year veteran adds depth to a position marked by inexperience. Vice president of personnel Ozzie Newsome stressed that the addition of Gash does not mean the team is dissatisfied with the player of youngster Alan Ricard, who will remain the starter.

A second-year veteran, Ricard played in just five games as a rookie and did not start any of them. He is one of several young veterans who will make his first regular-season start next Sunday for the Ravens.

A two-time Pro Bowl performer, Gash played the past two seasons for the Ravens after stints in New England (1992-97) and Buffalo (1998-99). The former Penn State star is a jarring lead blocker and is also excellent in blitz pickup situations.

Testimony to his blocking skills is the fact he was named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad in 1999 despite having no rushing attempts that year. In fact, in the last seven seasons, Gash has only one year in which he reached double digit rushing attempts. He has more receptions than carries in his career.

His 150 appearances include 71 starts and he played in 15 games for the Ravens in 2001, starting six of them. He had just two carries last year, for minus-1 yard and caught nine passes for 80 yards and one touchdown.

His career totals include 120 carries for 324 yards and two touchdowns, and 158 catches for 1,264 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.