The contract, which likely will be announced later Sunday, is for four years and $14 million and includes a signing bonus of between $4 million-$4.5 million, sources said.

The Ravens clearly wanted to keep Burnett, but the quick signing was also fueled by the torrid market for defensive ends in the opening days of the signing period.

Burnett, 32, is the senior member of the franchise in terms of continuous service, having begun his career as a fifth-round draft choice in 1990. He is a solid two-way performer, tough against the run and more than adequate as a pass rusher. He started all but one game over the past three seasons, following a '96 campaign cut short by injuries.

The 10-year veteran had 6½ sacks in 1999, matching his total for the combined '97-'98 seasons, and also had 81 tackles. For his career, Burnett has played in 146 games, with 131 starts, and has 530 tackles, 56½ sacks, nine fumble recovers and six forced fumbles.

The only bigger priority for the Ravens was the retention of quarterback Tony Banks. Vice president Pat Moriarty is scheduled to meet this week in Los Angeles with agent Marvin Demoff to present a proposal for Banks.