OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has agreed to a four-year contract after being designated the team's franchise player.
The Ravens and Tucker had until 4 p.m. Friday to reach accord on a long-term deal. If no agreement was reached, Tucker would have been forced to play the 2016 season with the franchise tag or sit out the season.
Baltimore announced the deal late Friday afternoon.
General manager Ozzie Newsome says, ''Justin has become a cornerstone for our team, and we are happy to get this contract completed.