Ravens top pick ends holdout

By John Onan  |   Sunday, August 07, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Baltimore Ravens
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The Baltimore Ravens announced that top pick Mark Clayton, wide receiver from Oklahoma, has ended his brief holdout and agreed to a 5-year contract. Clayton, the 22nd overall selection in the 2005 NFL Draft, will suit up for his first practice on Monday after watching Saturday's practice from the sidelines.

After holding out for the first five days of camp, Clayton will be paid $8.2 million over the length of the deal that the two sides agreed to days earlier. The main sticking point in finalizing the deal revolved around the amount of guaranteed money would be included. An escalator clause was also added that would enable Clayton to receive an additional $2.5 million in the 5th year of the deal.

Mark Clayton finished his career with the Oklahoma Sooners with 221 catches for 3,241 yards and 31 touchdowns, all school records. The 5-foot-10 Clayton led the team last season with 66 receptions for 876 yards and 8 TDs to lead the squad, while earning all Big-12 and 1st team All-American honors. He will be expected to step right in and help improve the Baltimore Ravens passing attack, which ranked next to last in 2004.

Clayton had gotten off on the wrong foot with Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick earlier due to his holdout. Billick had voiced his displeasure, saying that the Ravens have given Clayton their best offer and that his refusal to agree to terms was "a sad situation".
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