A source with knowledge of C Matt Birk's thinking tells Profootballtalk the free agent wants to play "a couple more years."

The Ravens are scheduled to meet with the agent for Joe Flacco and free agent C Matt Birk in the next seven to 10 days for contract talks. Birk has no plans to retire before his age-36 season, and he made it clear last month that his preference is to stay in Baltimore. "We want to have him back if he wants to come back," coach John Harbaugh said at the Combine.

The player rep for free agent C Matt Birk says he has opted against retirement, and that "the Ravens seem to want him back." Birk "feels great," and is hopeful of re-signing with the Ravens before the start of free agency. The two sides have reportedly already begun negotiating. Birk told PFT Live in January that he would only play the Ravens if he decided to return in 2012. Five months shy of his 37th birthday, Pro Football Focus rated Birk as the league's ninth best center in 2011. He should be able to work something out with the Ravens in relatively short order.

Free agent C Matt Birk told PFT Live Friday that he will decide between retirement and re-signing with the Ravens in 2012. He doesn't want to play anywhere else. Birk would be entering his age-36 campaign, although he's got enough gas left in the tank for one more solid year. Birk will decide his future after his body "heals up" from the season.

Following Sunday's loss to the Patriots, Ravens C Matt Birk said he has not decided if he will retire. Birk, 35, will talk it over with his family. "We'll see, we'll see," Birk said. "This will sting a little bit. Just take time, get away for a while." CBS' Charley Casserly reported last week that Birk will hang up the cleats.

Following Sunday's playoff win, Ravens C Matt Birk disputed a CBS report that he's already decided to retire after the season. "No, I haven't made that decision yet and I don't know Charley Casserly," said Birk of the CBS reporter who claimed he'll hang 'em up. "I don't even know who he is, I don't know him, he didn't talk to me." Birk's age (going on 36), bad knees, and expiring contract still lead us to believe he's a prime retirement candidate, especially if he goes to his first career Super Bowl.

CBS Sports' Charley Casserly reports that Ravens C Matt Birk will retire after the season. Birk has played through knee pain for several years, and the Harvard alum turns 36 before next season. He's also unsigned for 2012. Birk is still playing at a high level, but has hinted at retirement for the past few offseasons.

Ravens C Matt Birk (knee surgery) is not listed on the Week 1 injury report. Birk practiced in full Wednesday and will start, leaving newly acquired Andre Gurode as an insurance policy. It's a plus for the Ravens as Birk has started 32 straight games for them.

Ravens C Matt Birk (knee surgery) will practice on Saturday. Birk had yet to take the field after undergoing surgery to clean out a bursa sac earlier this month. The Ravens remain optimistic their starting center for the past two seasons will be ready for their Week 1 tangle with the Steelers.

Ravens C Matt Birk is now expected to miss 3-4 weeks after undergoing knee surgery to clean out a bursa sac Wednesday. It's a longer timetable than the one provided earlier in the day, but the Ravens still believe Birk will be ready for Week 1. "Matt Birk will be our center," coach John Harbaugh said. The Ravens are still on the lookout for veteran insurance.