OWINGS MILLS -- Billy Bajema kept working out and hoping the telephone would ring.
For the first time in his NFL career, the veteran tight end didn't have a job when training camps started.
Then, the Baltimore Ravens signed the former St. Louis Rams starter last week when Dennis Pitta broke his right hand and underwent surgery.
"I played seven years and I've never been in a situation where I didn't have a team right off the start," said Bajema, who hadn't been on any other tryouts when Baltimore contacted him. "It's a different thing. I was just working out, staying in shape. I believed once training camp started and things got rolling I'd get a call. I was just staying ready for that.
"I think the way this league works there's so much that goes on once training camp actually starts, guys going down and changes happening. I knew I'd get a chance somewhere. I'm really happy it's in Baltimore with the Ravens."
A former San Francisco 49ers seventh-round draft pick in 2005 out of Oklahoma State, the blocking tight end has 38 career receptions for 398 yards and two touchdowns.
Bajema started 11 games for the Rams last season, catching nine passes for 71 yards.
Two seasons ago, the 6-foot-4, 259-pounder caught a career-high 14 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns for the Rams.
Pitta is slated to miss the entire preseason, but is expected to return in time for the Ravens' season opener Sept. 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
For Bajema to earn a roster spot as a third tight end, he'll need to beat out former fifth-round draft pick Davon Drew.
"It's just great to be back on the football field after an offseason at home," Bajema said. "I'm just excited to be playing. I feel like the offense is coming. I'm starting to pick it up. It's good to be out here with a great team and a great organization."
