In a move that immediately makes every tailback on the roster a better
runner, SportsLine.com has learned that the Baltimore Ravens on Monday
signed free agent fullback Sam Gash, the two-time Pro Bowl performer
released earlier this spring by the Buffalo Bills.
Sources told SportsLine.com that Gash signed a one-year contract that
will allow him to go back into the free agent market against next spring.
He received a $100,000 signing bonus and a base salary of $500,000. Gash
will also earn a $100,000 bonus if he is voted to the Pro Bowl team.
Gash, 31, is regarded as the premier lead-blocking fullback in the league
and also is a very solid receiver out of the backfield. So respected is he
as a blocker that the eight-year pro was named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad in
1999 despite registering no rushing attempts. Gash also made the Pro Bowl
team in 1998.
He provides the improving Ravens another veteran with proven playoff
experience and gives the team tremendous depth at fullback, joining Charles
Evans at the position. Evans suffered a torn triceps over the weekend,
however, and will miss the balance of the preaseason. The top three
tailbacks on the Baltimore roster total only six years of league experience
and will doubtless benefit from having such an accomplished lead blocker in
front of them.
A former Penn State star, Gash entered the league as an eighth-round choice
of New England in the 1992 draft. He played six seasons with the Patriots
before signing with the Bills as a free agent in 1998. Gash was released by
Buffalo for salary cap reasons.
In eight seasons, he has played in 120 games and started 64 of them. He has
116 rushes for 324 yards and two touchdowns and 143 catches for 1,161 yards
and 11 scores. Gash drew interest from several teams, including both New
York franchises, in free agency.
