Willis McGahee likes to refer to himself as the NFL’s best running back. Let’s see how he does replacing Jamal Lewis in Baltimore.

The Ravens acquired McGahee in a trade with the Buffalo Bills yesterday, a day after Lewis signed with Cleveland. In exchange, the Bills received third- and seventh-round picks this year and a third-rounder next year.

“This is a runner who can make people miss and has the explosion and speed to take it the distance,” Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. “He also has the power and size to run inside. He’s a viable receiver out of the backfield and is a good pass blocker, not something every back can do.”

McGahee is to travel to Baltimore to meet with team officials later in the day. The Ravens expected him to take a physical either late yesterday or on Friday.

It’s anticipated the Ravens will attempt to negotiate a contract extension with McGahee, who is entering the final year of a five-year deal. Buffalo’s first-round pick in the 2003 draft, McGahee had been seeking an extension with the Bills this offseason.

Bills coach Dick Jauron sidestepped questions why the team decided to trade McGahee, especially considering Buffalo does not have an immediate replacement for him on its roster.

Jauron simply said the deal was too good to pass up and that it benefited both teams.

Asked if McGahee had requested a trade, Jauron replied: “That’s a good question for you to ask him.”

McGahee wasn’t available for comment.