Timed perfectly with the two-year extension just signed by defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, Ravens defensive tackle Kelly Gregg, a long-time student of Ryan, reached a four-year, $20.3 million extension that will keep him a Raven until 2011.
The Ryan-Gregg relationship goes back to Oklahoma where Ryan was an assistant coach and Gregg was a player. Once he got into the NFL, Ryan talked the Ravens into signing Gregg as an undrafted free agent. Gregg became one of the most productive undrafted defenders since the start of the new millennium.
Over the past five years, Gregg has led all NFL interior defensive linemen in tackles. At 6-foot, 310 pounds, Gregg was considered to short too be a big-time player in the NFL. Since getting together with Ryan and the Ravens, Gregg has towered over most defensive tackles over the past five years. Gregg has been battling Jamal Williams of the Chargers for the league interior tackle lead for the past five seasons.
Included in the deal is $3.5 million worth of guarantees.
The interesting part of the deal is the Ravens didn't have to do it. Gregg had two years remaining on his contract, paying him $1.4 million this year and $1.7 million next year. The Ravens decided to reward Gregg for his efforts and give him a potential career-ending contract.
John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.