Dallas Clark Officially Signs with Baltimore Ravens

It probably took longer than he may have liked, but former Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Dallas Clark has found a new NFL team.

UPDATE: Tuesday, Aug. 13

From the Baltimore Ravens:

"

#Ravens have officially signed TE Dallas Clark. Waived undrafted rookie S Gary Walker to make room.

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 13, 2013"

---End of update---

---Original Text---

The Baltimore Ravens' official Twitter account first announced on Sunday, Aug. 11, that the 34-year-old Clark agreed in principle to a deal with the defending Super Bowl champs:

"

Ozzie Newsome has an agreement in principle with TE Dallas Clark.

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 11, 2013"

This is a good fit for both sides. 

The Ravens are in desperate need of depth at the position. Last season's starter, Dennis Pitta, is out for the season with a fractured and dislocated hip, and Ed Dickson is currently sidelined with a slight tear of his hamstring.

Baltimore signed Visanthe Shiancoe to help fill the quickly increasing leak at the position, but after recording zero catches in an injury-plagued season with the New England Patriots, it's difficult to imagine the inconsistent 33-year-old serving as a fix.     

As such, adding Clark—a sure-handed, 6'3" presence—is a logical move for Ozzie Newsome and Co. 

Likewise, it's one that makes sense from the 10-year veteran's point of view as well. 

In Baltimore, he will be reunited with offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell, who coached Clark in Indianapolis for nine seasons from 2003 through 2011. The two have a strong relationship, and that comfort level should only further help the veteran tight end build on what was an encouraging season last year in Tampa Bay. 

Playing in all 16 games, he pulled in 47 catches for 435 yards and four touchdowns, his most productive campaign since his 100-catch, 1,106-yard, 10-touchdown Pro Bowl season in 2009. 

In his career, Clark has 474 receptions, 5,322 yards and 50 touchdowns. He certainly won't stretch many defenses, but he is a threat in the red zone and is as reliable as they come.

And for a team simply looking to stay afloat at the position after a series of injuries, reliable is exactly what the Ravens need.