GARCIA ACCEPTS OFFER BY BROWNSEX-49ERS QUARTERBACK AGREES TO $25 MILLION, 4-YEAR DEAL WITH CLEVELAND

Quarterback Jeff Garcia agreed to terms on a four-year, $25 million

contract with the Cleveland Browns on Monday night, his agent said.

One week after he parted ways with the 49ers after the sides could not come

to terms on a new contract, Garcia landed a starting job with the Browns.

''Jeff is excited, not only by the passion of the organization but the

passion of the fans and the storied tradition of football in Cleveland,'' said

Steve Baker, Garcia's agent.

Garcia was believed to be leaning toward accepting a contract offer from

Tampa Bay. Garcia's father, Bob, even told the Gilroy Dispatch, Garcia's

hometown paper, that his son had decided to play for Buccaneers coach Jon

Gruden.

But the Buccaneers already have a starting quarterback, Brad Johnson, who

led the franchise to the Super Bowl title following the 2002 season.

Garcia immediately becomes the starter with the Browns. His acquisition is

likely to signal the end of Tim Couch's career in Cleveland.

Couch, the first pick of the expansion club in 1999, never developed into a

top-flight quarterback with the Browns. Last season, he started just eight

games, splitting time with Kelly Holcomb.

Meanwhile, Terrell Owens was a no-show for his physical with the Ravens.

While Baltimore waited for an arbitrator to rule on Owens' bid to void his

trade from San Francisco, the receiver issued a statement saying he won't suit

up for the Ravens.

''So that there is no misunderstanding, regardless of what happens with the

grievance, under the present circumstances I do not see myself playing for the

Ravens,'' Owens said. ''I can assure everyone that I will continue to keep

fighting for my right to play for the team of my choice even after the

grievance. At the end of this process, I simply want to be able to exercise my

right to play for a team of my choosing under a deal that is fair to me and my

family.''

Responding to a question on his Web site asking why he doesn't ''just play

the cards you were dealt?'' Owens responded, ''Sometimes you have to do what's

in your heart to do, just can't settle for whatever. Rosa Parks didn't! You

have to stand up for your rights and that's what I plan to do, win or lose!''

(Owen's chatroom shorthand has been edited for clarity.)

''This is a matter between the league and the union right now,'' Ravens

spokesman Chad Steele said. ''We can't do anything until we hear back on the

ruling.''

The Ravens expect the matter to be cleared up by Friday and are certain

Owens will play for them this season. They said they are willing to rework the

deal to bring his salary in line with top receivers in the league.

But Owens wants a contract with the team of his choosing.

Owens was denied free-agent status last month after he missed a deadline to

void the final three years of his contract.

In other 49ers free-agent news, starting tight end Jed Weaver is scheduled

to visit the St. Louis Rams today, and starting defensive tackle Travis

Kirschke will meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both are unrestricted free

agents.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.