CHRIS CARR: “I THINK I CAN MAKE A BIG IMPACT”

Newly-signed Baltimore Ravens cornerback and returner Chris Carr chose the Ravens over the Pittsburgh Steelers, and one of the biggest determining factors for Carr’s decision as a free agent was the opportunity to play in the secondary. “I think I can make a big impact,” Carr said in a conference call today. “I think if you talk to [Ravens cornerback] Fabian Washington and [Ravens secondary coach] Chuck Pagano, they know what I can do and that I have a lot of abilities in the defensive backfield. I just haven’t gotten the opportunity. “That’s one thing I’ve wanted in my career. I take pride in everything I do. I don’t want to be known as just a special-teams player. Hopefully, I can help the team in both areas.” A former undrafted free agent from Boise State who began his career with the Oakland Raiders and played last season for the Tennessee Titans where he ranked fourth in the NFL in kickoff return average, Carr is excited about the new opportunity in Baltimore after signing a two-year, $5 million contract. Carr is expected to assume punt and kickoff return duties and compete for playing time at cornerback behind starters Fabian Washington and Domonique Foxworth. “This feels gratifying,” Carr said. “Just like I told the Ravens, I don’t want anyone to hand me anything. I expect to be able to compete. It’s humble beginnings. “When I went out to Oakland, I had a $5,000 signing bonus and two cornerbacks were drafted in front of me. When you’re undrafted, you have to play exceptionaly well in practice to get noticed. It’s taught me to be a pro. I’m very grateful for the road I took.”