Owings Mills, MD (My Sportsbook) - Cornerback Deion Sanders signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens after passing a physical Tuesday night, as the future Hall-of-Famer officially returned to the NFL and bolstered one of the league's most intimidating defenses.

Sanders, a seven-time Pro Bowler, will be introduced to the media at a 12:30 p.m. (et) press conference on Wednesday after his first practice with the club.

"We can't wait to see Deion walk through those doors," said safety Ed Reed. "It's a blessing for him to be here. I'm sure all of us are going to enjoy this. It'll be something we'll never forget, because it only comes around once."

The 37-year-old Sanders last played in 2000 with the Washington Redskins. He earned a reputation as one of the best cover corners the game has ever seen during his days with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys.

Sanders is expected to be ready for the Ravens' season opener on September 12 against the Cleveland Browns. In the beginning, he will primarily be used as a mentor for Baltimore's young secondary.

Speculation about Sanders' return was rampant after he began having conversations with a pair of close friends and Ravens - Ray Lewis and Corey Fuller.

Sanders had been working as a studio host for CBS during its NFL coverage.