The Baltimore Ravens officially re-signed free agent punter [Sam Koch to a one-year tender on Friday.
As a restricted free agent, Baltimore designated Koch with a second-round tender. If Koch accepted an offer from another team, the Ravens had the right to match that offer and retain him. If they chose not to, they would have received a second-round pick in this year's draft.
The team is glad it didn't come to that.
"Sam worked extremely hard this past season and really improved from the previous year," said assistant head coach and special teams coordinator **Jerry Rosburg**. "We expect him to improve even more this year."
Koch is coming off a Pro Bowl-caliber season in 2008 where he ranked 6th in the NFL in yards with 3,777, a career high. He also ranked 5th in the NFL in net average with 39.9. In the postseason, Koch punted for 845 yards, with a long of 52.
The former Nebraska Cornhusker also led the AFC and tied for second in the entire league with a career high 34 punts inside the 20-yard line, 18 of which were inside the 10. He also recorded a franchise record 74-yard boot against the Houston Texans in a 41-13 victory in November. He tied for 2nd during the playoffs, with 7 punts inside the 20.
"We've seen that he has a big leg, but his ability to pooch punt is also a major weapon for our team. He is instrumental in the battle of field position," Rosburg offered.
Koch also brings consistency, having played in every game of his career since being drafted as the 203rd selection in the 6th round of the 2006 Draft.
But aside from a strong leg and steadiness, Coach Rosburg values the work ethic Koch brings back to the Ravens for 2009.
"Above all, Sam is a football player. He's a great teammate, and he's always working to get better."
Safety **Dawan Landry**, tight end **Quinn Sypniewski** and wide receiver **Demetrius Williams** were also given tenders at the beginning of the offseason, but Koch is the first to officially sign. Clubs have until April 17th to assign offers to any of these players.
