The Ravens really liked last year’s free-agent signing of Bernard Pollard.



So much so that one year into his contract, Baltimore is announcing a three-year extension with its starting strong safety.

“Bernard showed last year that he is a Raven. He’s smart, tough and brings a passion to the games, our practices and in the weight room,” General Manager Ozzie Newsome said Tuesday.

Added in early August last offseason, Pollard fit in seamlessly with the Ravens’ secondary opposite free safety Ed Reed.

Pollard, 27, played in all 16 games and started 13, recording 55 tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception.

The seven-year veteran became a vocal leader and also spoke loudly with his pads.

“His physical presence on the back end is very important to the way we play defense,” Newsome said. “He has indicated since the first day he stepped into our building last training camp that he wanted to be a Raven for the long haul.”

The Ravens have two pieces of its secondary for the long-term now with Pollard and cornerback Lardarius Webb, who inked a five-year extension. Cornerback Cary Williams signed his tender Monday and the Ravens also have last year’s first-round pick, cornerback Jimmy Smith, suited up long-term.