The Baltimore Ravens will sign wide receiver Derrick Mason in order that he can retire as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. The team has announced they will hold a press conference at 3pm today with Mason, head coach John Harbaugh and General Manager Ozzie Newsome.

Mason played six seasons out of his 15 year NFL career, the last being the 2010 season. He split time between the New York Jets and Houston Texans in 2011, but only caught a combined 19 passes in the 12 games he played. He spent his first eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans, although they were still known as the Oilers the first two years he played there.

Mason is 11th in receptions in NFL history (943) and 19th in receiving yards (12,061). Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez was the only active player ahead of Mason in both of these categories. To be fair, Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward was also in front of Derrick before announcing his retirement earlier this spring.

A class move by a great Ravens organization and an honor for Mason to acknowledge the team, the city and its fans through this decision.