Contract battle between Ravens, Lewis worth the price of admission
Ray Lewis has always been considered the face of the Ravens franchise, and now he might officially get that designation. Lewis is in the final year of his contract, and there was speculation he might get a two-year extension before the start of the 2008 season.
But that isn't likely to happen. The Ravens and Lewis are far apart at this point and the Ravens have told Lewis he might become the team's designated franchise player if they can't get a new deal done.
The franchise tag is usually used for younger players who are in their peaks and searching for their first or second big contract, not a player like Lewis who is about to enter his 13th season.
If the Ravens use the tag on Lewis, they will have to pay him the average salary of the top five players at his position in the league, which isn't a bad deal because Lewis is still one of the best.
But Lewis won't be happy with that designation, or not getting a hefty signing bonus. He wants one more big payday. I assume that if the Ravens can't eventually reach an agreement with Lewis, he'll become a free agent despite the threat of tagging him.
But at least for now, it's fun watching the posturing going on between the two sides. This might be more entertaining than some of the games.
- Mike Preston
Comments
Mike,
Aren't they using the Franchise tag on Suggs?
Posted by: Charles B | July 21, 2008 1:07 PM
ray, at 33, probably isn't worth signing to long term deal with a big signing bonus.
Posted by: fkterp | July 21, 2008 1:27 PM
give him the money...dont let him go down like unitas??!!
or worse, a Rod Woodson!!
U want ray in Steelers black and gold.....or Brown Turds?
Posted by: g dubbs | July 21, 2008 1:49 PM
I'd franchise him and see what you can get for him. Sure Ray's still good, but he's too old to warrant a big pay day that will choke the whole organization. The Ravens are clearly trying to go younger and re-signing him to a long term deal (4-5 years) would be a bad investment. Like in 2002, the Ravens will probably be dumping a lot of their veterans soon. A two year extension would be a perfect compromise to allow him to stay a little longer, but he doesn't seem to want a short term deal.
Posted by: Andrew | July 21, 2008 1:59 PM
Suggs is franchised for this year. Under MP's scenario, Ray Ray would be franchised next year while assuming that the Ravens and Suggs have worked out a new contract.
Posted by: Pete | July 21, 2008 2:32 PM
He's not worth a big pay day. Let him try his luck as a free agent. Even if he became a Steeler, that's nothing to worry about on the field!
Posted by: John | July 21, 2008 2:58 PM
Mike, the franchise tag carries a value of the average of the 5 highest paid players at the position from the prior year or 20% more than that player's previous season's cap value (whichever is higher). Ray carries the highest cap value for a LB this year, so he's actually gonna be due 20% more than he's being paid this year, so it would take +$11m to use the tag. Not actually as good as deal as you make it out to be.
Posted by: RavensJ | July 21, 2008 3:33 PM
Don't burn the salary cap by tagging Ray Lewis. Let him test the waters. If he leaves, I wish him all the best. If he stays, I wish him even more success. He's more productive with the two big tackles in front of him and he knows it. The team needs to address keeping its younger core players, like Suggs, and address positions of need over the next two years; like DE and CB.
Posted by: Wacked | July 21, 2008 3:52 PM
Let Ray go out like Jonathan, a Raven! He's always played hard and is still the best linebacker in the league. Don't forget, he is also one of the league's best leaders. I wouldn't want to see him in another uniform. That just wouldn't be right.
Posted by: jimjam | July 21, 2008 3:54 PM
Trade him!
New Coach, New Era, New Leader!
Personally I won't miss the pre-game B.S.
Give me a ball player, not a clown!
Posted by: HAWK | July 21, 2008 4:10 PM
I love Ray, but if he's a real leader he needs to accept a fair value in his contract. He's in the twilight of his career and he shouldn't demand to get paid as if he's in his prime.
Posted by: Guru | July 21, 2008 4:23 PM
it would be a travesty if ray didnt retire as a raven. period.
Posted by: bmore | July 21, 2008 4:24 PM
Yes, he is such a leader every time his contract is up and he throws a hissy fit or when he throws his coach under the bus. It is time to treat him the way he treats the organization. let him walk.
Posted by: Lucky Horseshoe | July 21, 2008 4:37 PM
If the Ravens have room under their salary cap they are next year, they should keep Ray Lewis even if it means making him the franchise player. But they had to let Adalius Thomas go last year, who, with his ability to play all 11 D positions well, made it difficult for opposing Os to figure out what defense was the Ravens were in each play. So it's hard to say, a year ahead of time, what Ray will be worth. Certainly his presence on the field is like having an extra coach out there, on top of his skills, so I hope the pro minds make the right call.
Posted by: The_Mick | July 21, 2008 4:58 PM
This is no-brainer. Give this guy as much as he wants without hurting the team. He's earned it.
Posted by: Scott in Johnstown Pa | July 21, 2008 5:43 PM
Trade Ray for Favre.
Ogden would come back to block for Favre.
Posted by: Johnny Unitas | July 21, 2008 5:55 PM
Let's not be naive. Reality is, he probably will have to play somewhere else. Who was the last HOF non-lineman to play their whole career with one team?
There aren't too many. If Joe Montana can be a Chief and Jerry Rice can be a Raider, it is just the reality of way the cap is structured.
You may not like this side of it but without the current system, Rod Woodson & Shannon Sharpe probably aren't on the Super Bowl team.
Posted by: castle1 | July 21, 2008 7:45 PM
Pay Ray's contribution to this franchise is unquestioned, but at the end of the day it is all about age, performance and money in this "What have you done for me lately?" league.
Offer Ray a fair contract, but do not mortage the future on him. No one player is bigger than the team.
Posted by: Patrick | July 22, 2008 9:04 AM