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As initially reported by BaltimoreRavens.com staff writer Adam Beasley, the Ravens filled one of their longest-standing needs on the first day of free agency. The Ravens and two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Derrick Mason agreed to a multi-year deal Wednesday, giving Baltimore the big-play wideout it has lacked for years.

The Associated Press is reporting it as a five-year deal. Financial terms weren't released.

General manager Ozzie Newsome announced the deal at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.

"We were high on his list, and he was high on our list," Newsome said in announcing the move. "He was really the only receiver we have had any active discussions with thus far. What this does is we bring in a veteran receiver who has the type of attitude and type of personality that we look for in a football player."

Newsome didn't rule out acquiring more help at the position -- the Ravens were the only team in the league that had no one catch as many as 40 passes.

Beasley went on to note that Mason has eight years of NFL experience under his belt, but he is a relatively young 31 years old.

Mason was primarily a kick returner for the first three years of his career, but since joining the Titans' starting lineup in 2000, his production increased in each of the last five seasons.

In fact, Mason has posted four consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, averaging 81 receptions for 1,101 yards and seven touchdowns over the last five seasons.

He registered 96 receptions last season for 1,168 yards and seven touchdowns before being cut as a salary-cap casualty.

With Travis Taylor, who is being allowed to move on as an unrestricted free agent, and Kevin Johnson, who opted out of the final year of his contract, no longer in the picture, the Ravens faced the prospect of opening the season with Clarence Moore, Devard Darling, Fred Stamps, and restricted free agent Randy Hymes as their receiving corps.

The Ravens believe Mason's presence in the locker room is important as his production on the field given the above-listed group of talented but relatively inexperienced receivers. Coaches believe Mason will help the group develop.

"The signing of Derrick Mason is the most substantial move we've made particularly in free agency, particularly at the wide receiver position," head coach Brian Billick said. "When you take someone of Derrick Mason's caliber, you expect it to have an impact."

In a related note. ... According to SI.com insider Don Banks, Baltimore finished as the runner-up in the Randy Moss sweepstakes, but with the Ravens holding the No. 22 pick in the draft and the Raiders dangling the seventh overall selection, the competition really wasn't close.

Billick on Friday was asked by reporters what Baltimore offered Minnesota. "Obviously not enough," he said.