Sharpe

Sharpe, one of the most productive tight ends in NFL history, spoke at length Thursday about severing ties with the team that took a chance on a scrawny player out of Savannah State in 1990.

ESPN The Magazine's John Clayton reported Thursday that Sharpe had signed a four-year, $13.8 million contract with Baltimore. The deal includes a $4.5 million signing bonus.

In addition, Clayton reported that Ravens quarterback Tony Banks had agreed on a new deal to stay with the team. Banks' four-year deal is worth $18.6 million and includes a $2 million signing bonus.

"I never bought a home (in Denver) because I never got the sense that that was my home," Sharpe told radio station KOA-AM. "I'm not talking about the tangible building of a house. I'm talking about the feeling, the security, the warmth, and I never felt that.

"Maybe I was making more of it than it actually was, but I just never really felt that. I love Denver. There's no question about it. Even before the deal, I cried. I talked to (coach) Mike (Shanahan), but there was just no way we could get this deal done."

Already pushing the limits of the salary cap, the Broncos reportedly offered Sharpe $2.5 million per year -- well short of the $3.45 million average of his contract with the Ravens.

"It just got to the point where the numbers were just so far apart, it just didn't make any sense for me to stay there, and I just didn't really get the sense that enough was going on," Sharpe said. "They always said it had to be a little give and take on both parts. I felt it was more giving on my part and a little more taking on theirs."

Shanahan has not spoken publicly about Sharpe's departure but scheduled a Friday press conference to discuss Denver's pursuit of free agents.

Sharpe, 31, one of the most outspoken players in the NFL, disputed the notion that race or his candid attitude played a role in his decision to leave the Broncos.

"Me and Mike have not always agreed on the same things, but once Mike realized that the one thing that we did share was winning, we put all the egos aside," he said. "Mike realized I gave him the best chance to win. I realize he gave me the best opportunity to accomplish what I needed to accomplish."

Sharpe, a four-time All-Pro, missed most of last season with Denver because of a broken collarbone. The injury left him with 543 career catches for 6,872 yards, and he needs 110 receptions and 997 yards to surpass Ozzie Newsome's NFL mark for tight ends.

Newsome is Baltimore's pro personnel director, giving Sharpe one more reason to leave Denver.

"I'm honestly happy," he said, "because I think maybe after 10 years, I took Denver for granted, Denver took me for granted and maybe it was time for us to depart amicably and go our separate ways."

Sharpe visited the Ravens training complex Tuesday and spoke at length with Newsome and head coach Brian Billick. On Monday, Sharpe had dinner with Ravens officials after flying up from Atlanta on owner Art Modell's private plane.

The Ravens are looking to boost their offense, which relied heavily on outside receivers Qadry Ismail, Justin Armour and Patrick Johnson last season.

Also on Thursday, the Ravens agreed to terms with Washington Redskins tackle Kipp Vickers. No details on the deal were released.