Jimmy Cottrell, of Castle Rock, has signed a free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens. Cottrell, a former New Mexico State linebacker, signed a 3-year deal which includes a signing bonus.

Cottrell had a fantastic year in 2005, leading the nation in total tackles with 179, the most by an Aggie defensive player in a single season. He would record 10 double-digit tackle games, including a career-high 25 in his final game as an Aggie against Utah State (11/26). He was named an honorable mention all-American by SI.com as well as a first team all-WAC selection in 2005.

Cottrell leaves NMSU ranked third all-time in total tackles with 463 and is the only Aggie in school history to lead the team in tackles for four consecutive seasons.