OWINGS MILLS — In a series of transactions intended to build depth, the Baltimore Ravens signed former Oakland Raiders linebackers Ricky Brown and Darryl Blackstock and offensive guard Cordaro Brown.
All three were signed to one-year contracts.
Brown and Blackstock could emerge as special-teams contributors if they make the team.
Brown, 28, ended last season on injured reserve after suffering a concussion against the New York Jets.
A former Boston College standout, Brown is a 6-foot-2, 235-pound inside linebacker entering his seventh NFL season.
He was limited to three games last season with no tackles.
For his career, Brown has recorded 102 tackles and three forced fumbles.
He hasn’t finished three of his last four seasons, though, due to injuries that have included a sports hernia and ankle problem.
Blackstock, 29, is a 6-foot-3, 245-pounder who recorded 20 tackles last season for the Raiders. He played in every game with one start.
Blackstock is a former Arizona Cardinals third-round draft pick from the University of Virginia.
He has mostly played outside linebacker where the Ravens have lost two players to torn Achilles tendons: NFL Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs and reserve Michael McAdoo.
Blackstock has posted 84 career tackles, four sacks, a blocked punt and one forced fumble in five NFL seasons.
He played for the Cincinnati Bengals two years ago, registering 20 tackles.
Blackstock also played in the United Football League for two seasons.
Howard, 25, is a former Buffalo Bills starter.
He played in 10 games two seasons ago with four starts.
However, the 6-foot-4, 314-pounder was sidelined on injured reserve last year with a shoulder injury.
Howard was signed by the Bills after going undrafted out of Georgia Tech.
