I hope ray stays.

Well you got to consider this: Number 52 jerseys will stop selling in this town( Lost $$$ marketing) and I don't think anyone believes that a 34 year old Ray Lewis will bring a championship to Dallas-but it is another marketing ploy to fill seats in the new stadium. Good luck to him if he goes, but Dallas is no Baltimore and Jerry Jones is no Ozz.

Oh for the love of God, this is ridiculous. If for some reason Ray Lewis cannot stay in Baltimore, hope to god he doesn't go therebecause the last thing he needs is playing for a team who has no sense of attitude, leadership, and heart. Jerry Jones is becoming a joke of an owner, and he doesn't deserve great players like Ray Lewis.

Going to the Cowboys would be a mistake for Ray. It would tarnish feelings for him in Baltimore if he does not finish his career here. He will make more money in his lifetime if he remains aligned with Baltimore. And don't forget who stood behind him when the rest of the nation, including Dallas, was ready to slam the prison door.

Lewis would look great in big D. Finally with TO to offense.

I would not pay $25 million guaranteed and i am a huge fan.

The NFL must come up with a solution to this situation. Players that play for the same team should be able to reap the rewards without the team getting hit on the salary cap. I suggest each team can designate 1 player who has been with the organization for 8 years 50% off cap, or a player with 10 years 65% off cap. This way each team can keep a face for their franchise. What is happening to Ray and the Ravens isnt good for the game or the fans. Period!!!

Ray Lewis has been the leader of the ravens for the last 13 years However at the age of 33 you can't tie up over 30 million dollars to a player that has to start going down hill. As much as it would hurt you have to keep suggs and scott they have a greater upside then Ray. If the cowboys want to give him that kind of money then so be it. We have to many holes on this team to give it to a ballplayer that is on the down side of his career. .

Personally, I think that the Ravens should do whatever it takes to keep Lewis. And since we have a defensive coordinator spot open he could be fantastic option to fill that instead.

Ray will NEVER be anyhting other than a BALTIMORE RAVENS!

Jerry Jones can continue to spend his money filling his face with botox and spending on scum bags like T(otally) O(verrated) and Adam Buttmunch Jones.

To our Ravens - thanks for the GREAT season men, I enjoyed it tremendously!

GO RAVENS!

Man, I hope he doesn't go, but if he does, get him out of the conference. Ray brings intangibles, but i think Scott and Suggs are crucial to resign

I think these are easy decisions. You throw the bank at Suggs, you see if Ray will work out a reasonable deal, but if its unreasonable you let him get his final big pay day, resign Bart Scott, then take the rest of that change to find more weapons for Flacco (downfield receiver, better tight end option). You draft the best player available as always, maybe with an eye on filling the corner position that way. Ravens personnel record has always been exceptional, and, hey even Johnny U. ended his career with another team.

Man, I hope he doesn't go, but if he does, get him out of the conference. Ray brings intangibles, but i think Scott and Suggs are crucial to resign

If Ozzie and Steve let Ray become a Cowboy I will completely disown the Ravens. I have a PSL and haven't missed a game in person or on TV in over a decade. For all I care, they can pack up and move to Indy with the Colts. I can take loosing to the Squeelers 3X a season, but this is where I draw the line. I would hope many fans would follow too; of course, the kool-aid drinkers will not.

Very interesting guys. Maybe the Ravens might be interested in getting Terrell Owens after all? How about Terrell Owens for Ray Lewis right now?

wont be the same without lewis

You would trade Ray for T(otally) O(verrated)? If that happens, I would prefer to trade the entire Ravens franchise for a museum. Who leads the Ravens without Ray? I don't see Flacco inspiring the entire locker room before a big game! John Fraudbaugh? Ed "let's lateral the game. or Haloti Nagta's knees, away" Reed? He's not on the roster and TO will make the Ravens a bigger disgrace than the Orioles! I didn't think that was possible until just now.

we need to keep ray. we already lost rex ryan, and we will probably lose at least one of bart scott, terrel suggs, or jim leohnard. if we lose these guys our defense will definitely take a huge hit.

Very difficult decision and beyond my pay grade. Appears to be an issue of balance; one one hand is the loyality issue-Ray played his heart out for the Ravens and the Ravens stood behind him in his legal problem. Then their is the business side; do we break the bank for Ray and hurt the future of the team or keep Ray and all his intangibles and help the young players? Hey, can the owner give Ray a piece of the team?

great season to watch and listen to. as much as i would hate to see ray leave we cannot give him the money that dallas would throw at him when we have to resign suggs and scott. it will help having mcallister off the payroll but we need much help at cb. anyone know if there are any good cbs up for free agency?

Ray will not look good in any color other than purple and black. Ray you gotta stay, you see where we got this year... can only go up.

As painful as it would be to see Ray in another uniform, $25 million guaranteed for a 34 year old linebacker does not make sense as long as there is still a salary cap. Among their own free agents, the Ravens' top priorities need to be Jason Brown and Suggs (both still in their mid-20's). They also have other areas of need where free agent dollars should be spent. I hope Steve Bisciotti doesn't allow sentiment to override sensible cap management when it comes to Ray Lewis.

Steve Bisciotti has publicly said that Ray Lewis will remain a Raven for life so any speculation otherwise is meaningless

Bring Him TO BIG D Baby!!!!!

There is no doubt in my mind that we need Ray. He is the best football player I have ever seen. To see him with Dallas would kill my heart for the game.

I am as much a die hard Ravens fan as they come and it all started with Ray. If Ray leaves bec. we don't won't to pay the money, then I will loose all respect for this organization. Ray is the reason why we win games and the reason why our D is so dominate. Without Ray, the Ravens are nothing, and if he leaves town next year, we will be lucky to get 8 wins! If you ask me, he is worth every penny, even if he is on the downside. Isn't winning more import? Why else do you pay someone money?

I love Ray Lewis....He is the reason I even started to regain an intrest in the NFL again.He plays the way the great players of the past played the game....before money was the only thing that mattered to the league and these overpaid overhyped primadonnas.Ray Lewis has been Underappreciated by the Ravens based on what he has done and what he has bought to Ravens franchise....its like they still dont comprehend his status among the NFL's all time great players.The Ravens have not given Ray Lewis the support he needed to win multiple championships for the Ravens...even though his effort has been more than sufficient to accomplish just that....9 years of Brian Billick, and now the drafting of a supposed franchise quarterback as opposed to the top flight corner they needed ala Leodis Mckelvin, Dominique Rodgers Cromartie ,Mike Jenkins or Aquib Talib.....therefore I believe it would be in the best interest of Ray Lewis to move on and try to get another championship in Dallas where they have a talented although scitzofrenic offense. Joe Flacco is not a franchise quarterback and will always struggle in the NFL because he is deliberate and slow as opposed to being instinctive.....being a successfull quarterback in the NFL is a tall order.....and there are alot of quarterbacks who are close but dont have the intangables to be successfull,....Joe Flacco is a prime example,like Kyle Boller he has good arm strength, better pocket prescence than Boller, very good mobility... but just not quite enough instictive athletic ability..at the NFL level you have to be instictive like a Matt Ryan....if Lewis stays with the Ravens his final years will be wasted as the Ravens try to do with Joe Flacco what they tried to do with Kyle Boller....and its not going to work,.....Flacco although an improvement from Boller will only be a hindrance for the Ravens as far a any championship aspirations.

Ray isn't going anywhere. He'll retire a Raven.

Can Lewis co-exist with the ego of Romo, T.O. and The Owner Jones ? Maybe, but why when he has the respect of all Ravens fans and most of the media local and beyond. Money will be spent by Ravens ownership especially now that Rex is officially gone and replacements may not measure up to "doctor chaos" street cred. Ray would make and excellent replacement for Rex, as he knows all the inner workings of the system. Pay day will come either way fans

I do realize that it will probably take a good chunk of money to keep Ray. But the Ravens simply have to do it. With Rex Ryan leaving it would be a devastating blow to the Ravens team and defense to let Lewis go as well.

The Ravens need his leadership, they need him to help in the transition from Rex Ryan and to help bring along the next set of great young Ravens defenders.

With Lewis paying him the money isn't only about him playing. It is about what he brings to the team, the organization and the city. He is a priority and the Ravens must retain him.

If the Cowboys are going to offer Ray that kind of guaranteed $ for that amount of years, they will probably get him. Ozzie will not pay that out, he is not a moron like Jerry Jones. We have too many good players who are close to their primes to resign. Scott, Suggs, and Jason Brown (whom nobody talks about and completley baffles me) need to be a priority. If we were to match the offer by Dallas we can kiss 2 out of those 3 key players goodbye. But i doubt Dallas will actually offer this ridiculous deal, if they do I would say Jones is getting as senile as Al davis

Ray Lewis is a Raven. Like Unitas he feels he has three or more years left in his tank. The Ravens will be here long after Ray leaves football. We need to keep this team young. If Ray wants to go out and cash in, God bless him. But there are lots of diamond in the rough and I'm banking on Ozzie to find us another. Don't fret Baltimore. Ray Lewis is not the Team. The Ravens have plenty of Cap Room after this year. Good Luck Ozzie.

Some people wear Superman pajamas, Superman wear Ray Lewis pajamas... Ray is an icon in Baltimore, they aren't going to let him go anywhere!

Mike, two questions for you.

1. As I watched this game with some friends, we started discussing the possibility of seeing Ed Reed make a return or two in the fourth quarter. Leonhard's one punt return aside, nothing much had happened offensively or on special teams to get excited about, and Reed was largely invisible all game (at least in terms of big plays). Any thoughts on why this wasn't attempted? It seems to have been a great strategy several times in the past.

2. Does the Ravens' current situation with their linebackers remind you (or anyone else out there) of when Lewis, Boulware, and Sharper were the tandem at LB. They were arguably the best LB corps in the NFL at the time, and it was heart-breaking to see that broken up by the expansion draft and untimely injury. I'm afraid that we are going to have to bid farewell to at least one of these 3 outstanding players, and especially with Suggs' courageous performance yesterday, I would hate to see any of them go.

I think Ravens D is old. start over now

I'm sorry but if he leaves, he just puts a fire under the ravens to show him they have what it takes to win with out him, i want ray to stay, i have grown up watching him play, but i'm not going to beg him to stay,

I would hate to see Ray tarnish his legacy by going to the Dallas Cowboys, even though he has had huge games against us (Steelers) I respect the guy so I hope he stays with the Ravens.... so Ray You might as well Stay! For the Sake of Good Competition!!!
Man, I must be losing my mind !!!!

It would break my heart if Ray played for another team. I can't picture him in a Cowboys uniform.

Franchise him, sign Suggs long term say goodbye to Scott.
Doesn't make good business sense to give him a long term deal!!!!!!

Shelby-
"Some people wear Superman pajamas, Superman wear Ray Lewis pajamas... Ray is an icon in Baltimore, they aren't going to let him go anywhere!"

Unitas wore Charger pajamas for a while?

Steve Bisciotti has publicly said that Ray Lewis will remain a Raven for life so any speculation otherwise is meaningless.

Steve B. is a man of business and first and foremost he knows that if he got rid of Ray everything would collapse internally.

These are the people who are out after this year:
Chris McAlister is out - 10 million ( and yes he is our highest paid player)

Dawan Landry is out - 500K (he will go to Washington to play with his brother and land a big pay day)

Kelly Gregg is out - 3 Million ( bannan douglas ngata and douglas also with suggs who we will re-sign and edgar jones who goes both ways will run our dline next year.)

Kyle Boller is out - 2 Million

Without drawing this out we are already free of 15 Million dollars and of people who didn't play this season and are on the downside of their careers.

I would like to put Willis on this list to but our whole entire backfield only makes 2 million a year so I dont think he will be released.

If Ray wants another ring he would be smart to stay in Baltimore. I think Ray wants the paycheck and Jerry Jones is far from being a good GM to get
Dallas to the SB. Ray knows this.

There might not be a salary cap in 2010. Something to consider.

To the pundits, learn to drink kool-aide.
You dissed em from the start and they exceeded expectations.
Great job all, we loved it.
Brian who?
A season with a fun offense, holes in the D covered well mostly (save the Colts Game) and we will miss ya Rex.
I hope we can keep Ray a Raven (anybody heard of player coach?) and next comes the NFL draft.
Cornerbacks and wide receivers are the targets (I hope), Ozzie do your magic.
Oh and all you Ozzie doubters... what does it take?
If we can keep the team largely intact and make the improvements we need, next year may be Kool-aide time all over again.
Welcome to Baltimore John, nice to have you here.

I live in Dallas and I have not seen anything in the paper or heard anything on the talk shows re Ray heading south.
Doesn't mean it won't happen - Jerry probably wants to learn the LewisShuffle and do it with him during player intros.

This is a moot point. Ravens will not let Ray leave and I do not think he will want to leave. This team was damn close to winning it all this year and I think he and Sizzle will be back next year for some unfinished business. My one concern is that some of the players will follow Rex to the Jets. They love Rex.

While it has been a great run with 52, and as a fan I hope it continues, I will leave it up to Ozzie to make the decisions that are best for Baltimore. It will be interesting if Bisciotti does any meddling, he loves himself some 52!! GO RAVENS!!

The city and the franchise stood by a young Ray Lewis when the world wanted to toss him into an Atlanta jail now it's time for the elder Ray Lewis to show us the loyalty and love that Baltimore has shown him. Step up Ray and do what’s right!

Ray will stay!! Biscuit already indicated this long ago. I think this is just another attempt to create a big story to sell more newspapers in baltimore for awhile....

In response to Brad saying he would "disown the Ravens" and "For all I care, they can pack up and move to Indy with the Colts. "!! And you call yourself a true fan Brad? A true fan understands that not one person is EVER above the team, a true intelligent fan who wants to have a chance at a SB in the next few years, understands that this team cannot tie up 30 million against the cap for one player regardless of whether it is Ray or anyone else.. Unless you want to continue losing AFC championships because we will not be able to plug all the holes we NEED to because we gave a 33 yr old aging play more money then he is worth.. Remember we also have Jason Brown, Suggs, and Bart Scott all free agents... If Ray wants to cut his salary so we can sign both Suggs and Scott - then great.. Otherwise we are going to lose 1 out of three and probably 2... We will probably franchise Suggs and most likely sign Lewis but Scott will go...

Football is a business, there is NO loyality required or expected by the players. Business is business. They want the $$ - that's all. And this is Rays last contract so he wants all he can get..

A true Ravens fan would NEVER say he couldn't care less if the team packed up and went to Indy or anytown for that matter.. 1 player is never worth giving up a future lifetime of memories at M&T and possible future SB.. Never...

NO HE CAN'T GO!!!!!!!! AND NEITHER CAN ANY OTHER RAVEN!!!!

Considering the def coordinator vacancy...keeping him here has a lot of increased value than it did prior.

That said, if he goes, I really hope this town does not get bitter and angry about it. I hope it's not the Cowboys, since I'd have a hard time rooting for him, but I wish him the best regardless of the jersey color he'll be wearing.

It would be a huge mistake to let Ray go. We should cut Rolle, McCallister and try to trade McGahee or cut him. We should also explore trading Todd Heap. We should then let Scott go b/c Ray Ray always breeds those types of linebackers around him. We should then make a huge push for T.J. Houshmandzadeh while going after Nnamdi Asomugha the shutdown corner that McCallister should have always been. Then we should re-sign Jason Brown while trying to go after Suggs and hoping that Jim Leonard will sign another deal with us b/c we gave him an opportunity (wishful thinking for Suggs and Leonard I know...) We should draft a linebacker, some more secondary help/returners, a wide receiver, a TIGHT END, a running back, and some offensive line help. Now if Ozzie can work his magic we could get a decent draft pick for Mcgahee and Heap definitely has some value and we could use that to stock up on draft picks and be able to afford Ray Ray, a superb WR and the shutdown corner we deserve!! Now I don't know all of the rules but if possible the Ravens should think outside of the box and consider appointing Ray the "Assistant Defensive Coordinator" and pay him a ton and then pay him only the minimum as a player to avoid a huge amount towards the cap and he could "help" get the new coordinator acclimated now that we've officially lost Ryan. I also agreed with that other idea posted that for the sake of continuity and the fans, players that have been with the same organization for 8 should be able to sign and only have their contract count 50% towards the cap and so on. Great future solution that NFL should look in to.

As long as they sign Suggs and Lewis, I will be content.

Sign Suggs
Sign Lewis (No matter what)
Franchise tag Scott

It would be a huge mistake to let Ray go. We should cut Rolle, McCallister and try to trade McGahee or cut him. We should also explore trading Todd Heap. We should then let Scott go b/c Ray Ray always breeds those types of linebackers around him. We should then make a huge push for T.J. Houshmandzadeh while going after Nnamdi Asomugha the shutdown corner that McCallister should have always been. Then we should re-sign Jason Brown while trying to go after Suggs and hoping that Jim Leonard will sign another deal with us b/c we gave him an opportunity (wishful thinking for Suggs and Leonard I know...) We should draft a linebacker, some more secondary help/returners, a wide receiver, a TIGHT END, a running back, and some offensive line help. Now if Ozzie can work his magic we could get a decent draft pick for Mcgahee and Heap definitely has some value and we could use that to stock up on draft picks and be able to afford Ray Ray, a superb WR and the shutdown corner we deserve!! Now I don't know all of the rules but if possible the Ravens should think outside of the box and consider appointing Ray the "Assistant Defensive Coordinator" and pay him a ton and then pay him only the minimum as a player to avoid a huge amount towards the cap and he could "help" get the new coordinator acclimated now that we've officially lost Ryan. I also agreed with that other idea posted that for the sake of continuity and the fans, players that have been with the same organization for 8 should be able to sign and only have their contract count 50% towards the cap and so on. Great future solution that NFL should look in to.

The best thing that could happen to the Ravens is for Ray Lewis to move on. He simply does not show up for the BIG GAMES witness the AFC Championship won by 'dem stillers. One forced fumble does not gauruntee a Hall of Fame vote.
See yunz in Tampa

Suggs may have gotten a couple of sticks but who won the game who knocked out who and who is going to the big dance? HUM....

Keep Ray, keep Suggs, say goodbye to Bart Scott. Pescitt Burgess and Jameel McClain can do what Scott does, and for a lot less money.

rob, what is your issues with flacco, you are certainly in the small minority who thinks flacco does'nt have what it takes to succeed as a top rate nfl qb, he has mobility, pocket presence, a stong arm and from all appearances the whole locker room seems to respect what he brings to the team. only time will tell about his how successful he will be, but even YOU have to admit, all things considered, not too shabby of a rookie year, 19 starts, 13-6 record and 2 playoff wins under his belt, c'mon now, give the kid a chance. as for your desire for a shutdown corner, the jury is still out on all the corners you mentioned, i think everyone agrees it i much harder to find a quarterback then a corner, don't worry about the corners, chances are ozzie will find some to please you.

Hey Ravens fans lets not panic if Ray wants to stay he will have all the lattitude to make it work for both him and another linebacker for the 09 season and one LB will be the odd man out, thats the business. But lets not forget the person who originally built this defense to win a super bowl in the first place is still out there looking for a job (Marvin Lewis). I don't think that there is anyone in Baltimore that would not like to see him come to Raven once again. Besides free agents they need to sign a down field WR and some CB but Baltimore has the best GM in the game and he will address those needs.

I hope ray leaves.

Ray not going anywhere I'll bet will see more blogs like this from Preston.

Rob, you are so full of it. You have absolutley no idea what kind of QB Joe will be. First, you say he is not as good as Matt Ryan, yet he put up nearly the same numbers. He won two playoff games to Matt's none, and Matt lost he playoff game the same way Joe did, playing like a rookie. You said he doesn't have the natural instincts, well Big Ben lost his first AFC conference much the same way. Get your facts straight before you open your mouth and make an total idiot out of yourself. Oh, sorry, you already did that.
Do want to keep Ray, but not at the expense of the team. Like other folks have stated, too many holes to fill. Need a CB, playmaking WR, and more o-line help. Hope the Ravens make a play at Julius Peppers.

I don't understand why people are so hot and bothered about keeping Bart Scott. did someone say Franchise him?????!?!!! Yeah, he's been a really good player here, but seems like a great candidate for the Ed Hartwell plan - wish him the best, let him cash in, maybe get a comp pick for him and see how he fares as the focal point of a lesser defense.

Resigning Jason Brown seems like it should be so much higher a priority than the #3 linebacker, it's not even funny.

In big D we need you ray so come to us and we will win a super bowl

The Ravens should work an offer that tells Ray that he will be a long term part of their organization. He would make a helluva defensive coordinator or linebacker coach after his playing days

To all of the Cowboys haters saying they aren't going to win a ring. You are dead wrong. Yes they have internal problems, mostly stemming from the horrible lack of leadership coming from the head coach and the offensive and defensive coordinators. The players on this team almost got themselves to the playoffs this season in spite of that and in spite of injuries to their starting QB for 3 games and their game breaker (Felix), their workhorse (Barber) and their best Offensive lineman (Kosier, out the whole season). I can understand that you all hate Dallas but if you are objective about it, they were favorites for a reason and Jerry isn't a dummy. He may be egotistical but he's got 3 rings and that wasn't an accident (although he got lucky with Switzer). If Jerry wants Lewis he'll be wearing a star on his helmet plain and simple. And if Ray wants a ring, the best place to go is probably big D. You can wail and gnash your teeth about it all you want but if you look at it objectively you will find it to be true. Cheers.

Hey Ravens fans...sorry that your Ravens didn't crush the Squeelers last night...for what it's worth, 50% of us Browns fans were cheering you on...the other 50%?...who needs 'em...your team did great...nothing to be ashamed of...we peobably won't be beating the Squeelers any time soon but in time we will. In the meantime, hope you guys crush 'em in regular season in 2009...we're sure going to try like hell...we WILL be back!

I think Ray would be a great fit for the Cowboys. But the Cowboys need to focus on the bigger issue like the Coaching. Cowboys have more talent then they know what to do with and no team leaders, But maybe with a player like Ray he can teach them a thing or two about having heart and passion for the game, to wrap this up Money talks and Jerry get what Jerry wants wich in my opinon is the biggest downfall for the Cowboys. If this continues Jerry will run the Boys into the ground for good just like the Raiders and that will be alot of empty seats here in Arlington...

Sign Suggs, franchise Ray, say good-bye to Bart Scott (but Scott might stay put for less because he loves the local media "love" he has growing here. He ain't going to have that in a new city for awhile at least) Eat McGahee's contract, he's done. Cut loose or don't re-sign Heap, he's done. (At least when he's gone I don't have to listen to my wife saying his name in her sleep anymore) Use Wilcox more. He's more reliable than Heap now. Cut Rolle and McAllister. Re-sign Leonard. Re-sign Buddy Lee since linemen go down every year and he's a keeper. Trade for Boldin in Arizona since he's pissed at falling behind Fitzgerald in priority and pay. Tar and feather Stone - THEN cut him.

Damn, hope Dallas doesn't get him. As a Cowboys fan, I'd hate to bring more players that has blood on their hands, not especially after we finally got rid of Pacman.

Baltimore can keep their Ray-Ray, he's too old anyways, I'd rather draft an LB. That guy talks too much, and he shows total disrespect for other teams. He makes Joey Porter seem like Larry Fitzgerald. And don't tell me that it just means he has heart, to me, it just means Ray-ray's an a--hole. Kirk Morrisson's a better player/teammate than Ray-Ray. I'd rather get him.

Ray needs to be signed, but top priority should be T-Sizzle. (youth) Unfortunately, LB Bart Scott has to go, only due to $$$; Hopefully the injured A.Barnes or P.Burgess can fill Scott's role next year, plus Tavares Gooden can backup Ray Ray and learn from him. We can't keep all 3 of our FA LBs and expect to improve our secondary/receiving corp.

I think we should trade up to get Crabtree in the draft.

He's got that Larry Fitgerald/Calvin Johnson type of ability.

I try to read all the comments and all I see is what the front office have to do to keep Ray in Baltimore. But what about Ray doing a lil something to stay a Ravens... like asking for a reasonable deal, not forgeting what the front office did for him back then when his days where dark, or better yet what about understanding that he is not bigger than the TEAM.
As much as I love Ray, I truly believe that NOBODY IS BIGGER THAN THE TEAM (RAVENS). So, if Ray wanna go let him go.. but I know he wont go.
Go Ravens!!!!

Ray will be back next year. The ravens will put the franchise tag on him.

If Dallas gets Lewis we will finally finally finallyyy have a leader for this team and we can finally play to our potential after ray signs give wade phillips the axe and bring in marty

Although Ray is great in the locker room and a respected leader, T.O. is a cancer to every place he goes and will always be a problem b/c he is a spoiled brat.

what about jason brown needing to stay

Hey guys, be realistic about this decision.....

Look atthe Steelers, they just parted ways with one of the best guards in the game, because he was getting up in age, and that money will serve them well.

I think the Ravens would be better off without him, ask yourself, has he brought you a championship in the past 8 years? Then why keep a 34 y/o LB around.

Scott is younger has a lot more left.

Of course, as a Steeler fan, I hope they do sign him, instead of having enough money to upgrade elsewhere, which will lead to screwing up you cap space 3 years down the road, and perhaps a few more season sweeps of your ravens....

Here it comes again for Jones who is still greedy to grab star players. You cannot buy the chemistry which takes longer or with luck for players play together.

I think the cowboys should pick him up.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that the D, and then the team, falls apart without Ray, Adrian. Just check the stats when he's out of the lineup. Just see what the fellow defenders do when they leave Baltimore. Without Ray, there never would have been a SB. And here's another news flash: Ozzie still has not assembled a top notch offense. We win on defense and Ray is the chief of the defense. We can't beat Pittsburgh anyways so why would you allow the face of the franchise walk out the door? The Ravens will become just another faceless franchise mired in mediocrity when he leaves. Why not delay the inevitable for a few years and give the fans what they pay for: Ray to retire as a Raven? I don't follow a franchise blindly and dish out cash when I think the team is being foolish. A good example is the O's, everyone should boycott that team in terms of spending money on tickets and merchandise until a new owner steps in. The Ravens are not the O's, obviously, but if they head down that track, I am jumping ship. Texiera is wearing pinstripes and the thought of Ray with a star on his helmet boils my blood.

I'll be GLAD to see Ray go to the Cowboys as every other Steelers fan on the planet would. That way we'd only have to gameplan to stop him in the superbowl.... he won't be around in 4 years when the AFC North plays the NFC again. See ya, Ray !!!!! Glad we sent ya packin!!

ray will be a raven next year. you heard biscotti. hed be foolish to let ray go.

Both Lewis and Suggs will be back , one will be franchised and the other will be signed . Scott will also return , if you all forgot , he turned down more money last time to stay and loves being a RAVEN (TEAM PLAYER). They will save money on c-mac and i'm sure a few other guys. OZZY is the man and will always do what is best for the team and i'm sure he will address our needs in the draft and i'm pretty sure terrible owens will never play for the ravens as long as ozz is in charge. Anyway their are better options out their

Chuck Norris wears
Ray Lewis pajamas.

Without Ray, we would be the vens.

Paying him extra (non-cao?) bucks to coordinate the D makes a lot of sense for him and the Rayvens.

Ray Lewis reminds me of Pete Rose: A player you hate unless he's on your team. If Hines Ward were a Raven, I'm sure I'd hate him, too. The Steelers have let lots of excellent players go over the past few years: Faneca & Porter to name a few. When you win, your better players will expect to be compensated. There's nothing you can do other than minimize the damage and look for a younger, cheaper player.

Wheres a quote or anything supporting this claim? I remember Deion speculating during that Dallas game, but that cant be considered as an credible source.

I hope he does go, and they win the Super Bowl next year. Ray deserves it. He won't get it here. We will be re-building next year, and Ray doesn't deserve to stay here for his last couple years and watch the team he anchored dissolve away.

how do the cowboys have ANY cap left? Romo, Barber, Owens, R. Williams(es), Flozell, Ware, did I miss anyone??? Then, how do you add 9 million a year to Ray?

Big D is a Big mess

Ray will go where the money goes. There are no loyalties; football is business.He'll be in Dallas next season because Baltimore will not pay him as much as Jerry Jones.

This is just a rumor! I am a huge Cowboys fan and although I agree that what Dallas needs is a leader like Ray Lewis this will never happen. The Cowboys can't afford it. There is such a thing as a salary cap and giving 9 mil a year to a 34 year old LB is not going to happen. Also the Cowboys can't cut TO because the salary cap would then prevent them from signing DeMarcus Ware long term and I can't see TO and Ray coexisting. Don't worry Baltimore Ray Lewis is not coming to Dallas. This rumor was probably started by Ray's agent.

Ray, think about going out near the top and accept a coaching job with the Ravens

Hey Rabidporcupine. Since you know so much about Ray Lewis you must be a personal friend of his. You know,to have all the personal info about whats on his hands and all.Since you are so close to him, instead of going on another teams newspaper with your silly rant,why dontcha just give your old buddy Ray a call and tell him how you feel about him!!

trade suggs to arizona for anquan bolden resign ray go after peppers and what happen with McClain the leading rusher what happened to staying with what got you there?

I am from Baltimore I now live in the Dallas area Jerry Jones is an idiot, but I can't blame Ray for taking that amount of money.The Ravens don't have the money to give and I don't see how the Cowboys have it either. unless the cut T.O.

The only problem with Dallas is one Jerry Jones the only reason he would sign Lewis is because he would fit in with the Valley Ranch misfits so let him go. The sooner Mr. Lewis(oops too much respect) leaves the better competition for our beloved Steelers. See yunz Feb 1, can you guess where?

Here we go Steelers Here we GO. I can see the 6pack now and I'm not talken about Iron City

The ravens stood behind ray so did the town of Baltimore and if ray can't sacrifice and not need to kill the cap then he no the faithful raven i thought he was even manning and brady took less money and renegotiated there contracts for the sake of there teams . and even if he don't get the huge payday he will have alot of chance to make alot of money in and from his ties with baltimore long after he retires

I think Bart Scott is gone. He isn't as important to the team as Suggs and Lewis. Lewis or Suggs will be franchised. The other one they are going to have to pay royally for.

I think the team will have some cash available. McCallister is gone. Scott will be gone. They need to secure their two big linebackers

Ray Lewis will retire as a Raven player. Steve Bisciotti will see to that. Expect to see Ray in the Ravens front office in some capacity within the next 3 years. You read it here first!

Does anybody really think Ray Lewis will be playing somewhere else?
This is just a ploy. These posts are amusing.

Cowboys are going to cut TO and take the cap hit. They then need to resign Ware. No way they are players for Ray Ray.

Ray Ray isn't going anywhere. He'll stay If he doesn't want his restaurant in Baltimore to go out of business. Ray also lives right outside Baltimore. A place he has lived for a long time.

Hey Bart in Boulder, I did know him, ...I testified against him once and now I'm hiding in this some cr-p hole town..I think it's called Boulder.

Anyways, some Ravens fans also were in OUR newspaper talking cr-p about Big D, I figured I should return the favor. Welcome to the football fan world Bart. Lesson 1: Every fan is gonna talk --it to each other. It's usually peaceful and friendly, unless it comes from an Eagles fan.

Hey Ravens fans. As a Cowboys fan I can tell you if Ray does decide to go to the Cowboys he won't tarnish his image in Baltimore. Emmitt Smith did not tarnish his image going to the Cardinals.

I don't know if he will leave Baltimore or not, but if he does come to Dallas I see that as a great move. The Cowboys are in need of a great passionate team leader and you all know Ray brings that to the table. Just hope Jerry gets out of the way if it does happen.

I am a Dallas fan and I can tell you that Ray Lewis waited a long time to be in this position (SB contender) with the Ravens and he will not give that up all of that to go play in that pig-stye of a locker room in Dallas. I mean seriously, can you see him playing for Wade Phillips???? Don't make me laugh. Just give him a good offer and he'll stay.

Suggs and Brown are absolute priorities. Make the play for Ray, if you can, but do NOT tie up 25 million in a 34 year old linebacker.

I'd be curious to see the asking price for Boldin. Getting somebody to counter Mason is also a priority, but there is little out there in the free agent market.

# 52 means so much more to the organization and the region than his ability as a football player. His leadership in terms of work ethic is inspirational to those who live in an area that prides itself the jobs they do. He willingness to be an active member of the community through his investment in the local economy as well as his public service also speaks to his overall value not just his football contributions. That being said, he is the "total package" as a middle linebacker. He goes sideline to sideline of can plug the middle. He covers and leads be example. Some have said he is not what he once was. You couldn't tell it by watching him play this year. He still brings more to the table than any other mlb in the game. I consider myself blessed to have watched him play for the Baltimore Ravens. He needs to remain a Raven for life.

How "Bout them Cowboys!! You lose Ray Ray, you're done, we're just adding a part to the wheel! We'll see who the real deal is next season!

#52 for the Dallas Cowboys, Ray Lewis........ wooooo

I gotta tell you something Preston, as great a player as Ray is he will not solve the problems in the Cowboys locker room, not with that jerk TO still there. We need to get Ray to stay here, I think he does have an opportunity to win another ring here before his career is finished and we all know he is a helluva leader as well.

i think he would look nice in black and gold

give ray lewis his credit. he is the face of the ravens and like it or not, the city of baltimore has lost a lot of things. whether he is a good fit or not at 34- the franchise needs to do what they can to keep him. trade unitas too? get serious.

wow....there are some haters in here.....need I remind you all that free agency reared its ugly head in the mid 90's while Dallas was on top....teams like the Ravens were the beneficiaries of talent leaving for more dollars.....bunch of hypocrits!

Ray Lewis will look good in a dallas uniform

I'm a huge Cowboys fan, but even I am a bit leary of him leaving Baltimore. To me, Ray Lewis = Ravens and it would be really weird to see him in a Cowboys uni.

I hope he stays on Baltimore for a couple more years and retires a Raven, but if he comes to Dallas I'll root all the same, I just hope Jerry doesn't ruin him, with all the drama thats associated with the team.

Lewis is one of those guys that will always be a Raven, though he won't be playing for them next year. I wish him luck, he's at the end so why not go for the money. Ravens need to resign their younger players like Suggs.

Hers exactly whats going to happen:
Ray will be franchise tagged
Suggs will be resigned
Scott will be going to Dallas as a FA

Ray Lewis isn't going any where. He is definitely going to get the franchise tag this year. I don't think there is any exception to this.

http://football.about.com/cs/football101/a/franchisetransi.htm

Lewis needs to remember the loyalty that Art Model and the city of Baltimore showed him when he was cooling his heels in an Atlanta jail cell. Also, the Ravens are closer to a SB berth than the Cowboys are. He should take a reasonable offer so the team can try to keep Suggs, Brown, Leonard, Stover and hopefully Scott. If Ray Ray wants the money (25 Mill) so be it. Let him go and no hard feelings.

Does Dallas need another criminal?

Here's the problem with keeping Suggs and Lewis. Suggs will get top dollar from whoever signs him. Probably around 5-6 year contract with 25-30 million signing bonus. As much as Ray may want to stay here there's no way he will sign for a lot less than Suggs. That just isn't going to happen. And the Ravens can't franchise Suggs again and they won't franchise Ray. Forget about Scott, the Ravens already have a couple linebacker ready to take over that spot.

How can anyone say Dallas is closer to winning a Super Bowl then the Ravens? That is ridiculous. How many playoff games did Dallas win this year, hmmm, last year? This Century???? 0!!! Tony Romo is a bum. What is his record in December. The only good about Tony is his girlfriend. He is like a poor man's Brett Favre. Loose cannon under pressure. I take Flacco over Romo every time. T.O. is a jerk and the running game in Baltimore is much better than Dallas check the numbers. I can't say Ray going to Dallas because he thinks he will win there. And as far as money, I think Ray is just fine.

i have to say im a real big RAVENS FAN and this was a great year for them and i would be doing everything i can to keep RAY on this team so we can head back to the playoffs next year and whoop some a**

GO RAVENS

I have read all the responses and the funniest one is that the league should give teams a break on veteran players cap hit based on time with the team to allow them to finish their career. These players are the ones driving the salary cap so high. Spend the money on Ray and mortgage your future, as no one knows what the new collective bargaining agreement will bring, if it ever gets done. How much does Ray weigh now? Not what he says, actually. GO TITANS

Oh, and by the way, Suggs' sacks meant nothing in the AFC Championship game. Where was Ed Reed? The only time I heard his name called was when the announcers were describing Polamalu's interception as something Reed does. Well, he didn't do anything on Sunday when we needed him most. As for Lewis, whether we want to admit it or not, he is not the same player. If Dallas wants to overpay for him, let them. They need that money to sign Jason Brown. It's hard to find good, young centers in the league.

You all say your die hard ravens fans but once rumors go flying you all are ready to throw the chips in and forget about the ravens. People saying "Flacco's going the direction boller is" Boller didnt make the play offs so how could you compare his stats to Flaccos you cant. And if Ray leaves so be it he has led us through everything we have other leaders on the defensive side of the ball maybe not like Ray but we have leaders. And we need big threats on the outside for Flacco yeah mason did a great job this year but hes going on the down side as well. So let the chips fall and whatever happens this upcoming season support "your team"

Hey everyone Pete from Pittsburgh is in the house. Hey Pete did you even read what this column is about? It's not about the game, or who beat who. Let me explain, It about keep 3 key players.
Question Pete. Do you have all of your teeth? Hmmmmm You surely don't have all of your brain cells! Quess that comes from drinking "Iron City'
To my Purple Birdies as Myron Cope used to call them. Thanks for a great job men. All of us in Baltimore, are pround of you and your efforts.
Thanks for 19 Great Sundays. 13 of them made us all Smile!

Please let Ray take his act to Dallas. We need to keep Suggs and Scott. They are more vital to the nucleus of the defense right now. Ray had a great year, so reward him and let that half-wit Jerry Jones give himn a three year contract for the max that the market will bear. We can't afford it.

suggs needs to be resigned. scott would be great to have on the team and perhaps the ravens could sign ray lewis to a 2 yr contract at 8-10 million a yr and offering him a 10 yr contract after he retires for a million or two a yr. thus saving money for the salary cap.

So its funny how theres fans saying he isnt worth that much money... What would our defense be with out Ray Lewis? He has made stars out of players who were good but not superstars. Lets take Bart Scott. Very good linebacker but could he anchor a defense like Ray does? No In the past we found that out when the falcons signed Ed Hartwell to be there defensive leader. Same with the Texans and Jamie Sharper to be there defensive leader. Both only lived up to half of what they were when in baltimore. Than take his ability to watch film. Do you realize Ed Reed pays his sucess to him. He lived with him for awhile at his house. They would watch game film together. Thats a leader, a true nfl legend. He needs to be locked up for the remainder of his career. He will always be a BALTIMORE RAVEN.

Jerry Jones Don't have the money to give any player that type of guarantee period. He is just trying to stir up things in baltimore because we beat him in his last game at his stadium. Plus the way that this economy is he can't sell all of his seats in his billion dollar stadium. Point blank NUMBER 52 Has and always be the face of OUR BALTIMORE FRANCHISE and will ALWAY'S BE OUR RAVEN!!!!!! P.S. The cowboys are already over the cap for next year by $230,000.00 dollars do the math.

If I were any of you, I wouldn't worry to much. Jerry Jones has already stated that he won't be doing much in free agency this off-season as his top priority is to get OLB DeMarcus Ware signed to a new deal. I live and breath the site, so I can tell you this. Most of the "Ray Lewis" talk has been a "what if" or "maybe we can or should get" deal. Although I like Lewis, I find it a much higher priority to get the muscle of our defense re-signed. Also you have to look at the comments that he made about Jason Garrett and the Cowboys offense. With Garrett seemingly staying in Dallas, I would think this would create undue tension in the locker room. As you may have heard, the Cowboys already have thier fill of that with other issues, but I do know first-hand that everything you read about T.O. is not what it seems to be. I personnally talked to someone in the Cowboys organization that told me, it was former Cowboys DB, George Teague stirring up things. As you may remember, Teague was the player that took a shot at Owens during his playing days in SF and has had bad blood for him ever since. Ray may be leaving, but don't expect him to go to Dallas. I say he's more likely to end up in New England to add some strength to their rush D.

Let's get this straight from your perspective:
- The NFL is a business.
- There is no loyalty between players and teams.
- Fans must be supportive and loyal to every move a team makes. If not, you're not a "real" fan.
Sorry, I was born with a brain and since it's a business, I'll spend my money elsewhere if Ray leaves.

You have no idea what you are talking about.

i think this would be the best thing for both ravens and cowboys cause he's to old to give that much money too and beside cowboys would be a lot better with him plus T.O. and Ray on the same team would be fun to watch considering T.O. mimicked Rays dance back when he was a eagle

LOL, yeah right. No way the Cowboys would pay that much for Ray Lewis. Do you think that maybe his agent is throwing out some feelers for the Ravens front office and using a high profile team like the Cowboys while doing it? It's called baiting.

Thanks for getting back to me rabid. I was welcomed to the NFL by my Dad. So Thanks for the invite, but put downs and nasty talk weren't part of my Dad's Lessons in welcoming me to the NFL. Beating Dallas in Super Bowl Five was part of my introduction. But when it was over,my family had respect for Tom Landry-Dan Reeves-Craig Morton etc. When the Steelers went to their first Super Bowl we rooted for them because of the Rooney family--we were blue collar too.We were Baltimore Colt fans and we are Raven fans. I don't care for all of T.O.'S Antic's but I don't know him and I don't put him down as a person. Hines Ward--always seemed like a player I wished we had---if the guy throws some cheap shots -the players and refs will sort it out.Pac man has made some mistakes ---his interview with Jim Brown a few weeks ago made me think just maybe the guy is really trying to turn his life around. Again ,I don't know thre guy. Hey Man, if you want to talk to me about football--I'd enjoy shooting the breeze about any team or player with you rabid. My point is why be so nasty about a guy you don't know or put down the place where I live. Seems like a waste of time.Good luck with your team in the offseason-I hope you guys get it worked out and have a great year in '09. Bart in Craptown--oh no Wait--Bart from Crabtown oh anyway take care man

Why would the ravens trade for T.O?? espically when he cried like a little b**** so he can play for the eagles hell no i will be so pisssed if ray lewis becomes a cowboys!

Bart of Boulder,

No problem brother. And heck, I was just joking about about the crabtown, I lived in Colorado (if that's the Boulder you mean) for a few months, and it was pretty cool. I hear where your coming from man (about the nasty putdowns). I grew up where there were a lot of NYG fans, and it wasn't too easy for me being a Cowboys fan. Heck, my friends uncle took the Dorsett jersey I was wearing and trew it out the balcony during a Christmas party (of all times), since he was an NYG fan (he wasn't drunk either). So I grew up more defensive about my team, and if somebody puts down big D (where a lot of Ravens fans did in the Dallas media), I'd have something to say about it. But that does not mean I don't respect other teams or their fanbases. Occasionally though, I loose it and start going off, heck, I'm only human. But I usually have every intention of showing people that we Cowboys fans are a classy bunch.

And what you said about judging people, fair enough, judging a person based on the media reports is somewhat unfair. I should know, since people talk s--t about TO all the time just based on what ESPN says...when he still is a great receiver. But still, my point is, I don't want Ray Lewis in big D. I think he's a great player, but I don't think he's the right man for the Cowboys. For an MLB, Kirk Morrisson someone who is still young and has a bright future ahead of him is a better investment in my opinion. Kirk can cover, stop the run and rush the passer and he did it all while playing on a not-so-great Raiders team. He has the instincts. Ray has the instincts, but for how many more years. Plus the unfortunate fact that he was a suspect for a murder case a few years ago (and yes-I think it's important to bring that up) would definitely not help the Cowboys image. It's like the whole circus again with Pacman, I'm so tired of that bulls--t, where all our publicity is bad publicity. And speaking of Pacman, I do wish he turns his life around and finds something better. But I hope that the Cowboys don't pick him up again. It's not because his alleged "shooting spree", but the fact that he didn't contribute that much in the football field. His coverage skills were average, and Patrick Crayton did a better job fielding punts that he did (And Crayton isn't exactly the fastest person in football). And I think we have a more-than-qualified replacement in Orlando Scandrick. I think JJ should save the money for a safe and long term investments. I realize that JJ risk taking made the Cowboys the team of the 90's, but there's always a time to change. I just hope JJ doesn't become the next Al Davis, who overspends on players with questionable skills (eg: Robert Gallery, Javon Walker) and still enforces an archaic offensive philosophy.

Thanks for the good luck wishes man, I hope big D get it worked out too. Good luck with the Ravens, I think they'll be a threat again next year. And this time Flacco will have a year under his belt.

I went to high school with Ray and follow him close! I pray he does not go to Dallas! My husband and I live in Texas, he is ofcourse a fan of the star but I HATE the cowgirls! Please don't give me a reason to root for them!

Seeing Ray Lewis in any other color than purple would rank right up there with Johnny-U sporting the colors of another city. It's hard to even imagin a Ravens team without Ray Lewis.It would be like George Washington joining the red coats, or General Patton saying "hey, that Hitler guy ain't so bad." Every other team out there is the enemy and it would be truely unacceptable to let Ray Lewis, the General of this Baltimore Ravens team put on the colors of the enemy. I know that football is a business (sad but true) and you have to what's good for your business, but nothing positive could come from the departure of one of the very best linebackers to have ever played the game, and surely the greatest leader to have ever steped onto a football field.

Of course, you don't win football games in the locker room; unless your in Dallas and playing 'hide the winnie'! What Dallas needs to get near the Super Bowl is a Team, that's Team without an 'i' in it. Dallas is loaded with 'I's and Lewis will just be another one to the mix. The one man team of Tony Romo is ion's away from a Super Bowl, truth be known.

1. Tavares Gooden will start - not McClain or Burgess. Scott can play the middle (differently) if Lewis goes. No one wants that - only happens if Ray wants larceny Jones-type money.
2. Marshall Yanda and Chris Chester can both play center - little or no drop off. Brown comes back at the right number
3. As unpopular as this opinion is, a healthy Dawan Landry is a better safety than Jim Leohnard.
4. Antonio Bryant is the best receiver on the market. That's who we have to get. Rookie receivers are a crapshoot in year 1 - for every Eddie Royal, there are 20 Travis Taylors.

Lots of posts & no mention of Gooden. He blows up next year...an absolute freight train who runs a 4.5 @ 240 lbs. He's the story of 2009.

We couldn`t beat the Steelers when we had Ray Lewis, maybe we can find a way to beat them without him!

While it may have been "courageous" of Suggs to play, he spent most of the game dancing with linemen making little to no contact. His sacks were a result of the QB being out of position, and Suggs in the right place and the right time.

I thought it was a bad decision to continue to play him, when I notice his lack of making any contact with a blocker.

That doesn't mean that he's not a great Linebacker, just that his injury severly effected his game. Ravens have to keep him on the roster. Can you say "Franchise?" See you at the third preseason game T-Sizzle, cause I know you are rivited to Preston's blog in the Sun...

Ray Lewis deff. needs 2 go 2 Dallas imagine Zach Thomas And big Ray at inside backers and Ware and Ellis at outside backers madd beast linebacker group Dallas could probly go all the way next year with him to fire up their minds and defense

Yeah that's just what the Cowboys need. Another aging superstar getting paid too much money - who also happens to have baggage in his past. Ya'll can keep Ray Lewis and we'll send you T.O. as a parting gift as well - ya'll were wanting him a few years ago anyway. And whoever it was trying to compare Dallas' 8 SB trips and 5 SB championships to the Ravens 1 (ONE!?) is a bigger clown than most of the Cowboys bandwagon riders I have to put up with. Win a couple more championships then you can maybe put yourself in that category - but for now you are still second tier team in terms of history and championships to teams like Pittsburgh and Dallas and San Francisco and the New York Giants, etc..........

This is the greatest linebacker ever next to Mike Singletary maybe even better, he has made the Ravens what they are, for them not to keep him would be a shame. And with Rex gone come on. I believe he really wants a Championship before he retires, and he has a better chance with Flacco than Romo, if they let Ray go it would be a big blow the Raven fans and Football.

Well hujo69,

Sure, Dallas went to the superbowl 8 times, but their team has been around for so much longer than we have. At least we've HAD a superbowl win this decade! Can't say as much for the Cowboys...

Anyway, I think it would be a HUGE mistake to let Ray go!! No one could ever love him anywhere else as much as we love him here in Baltimore! Jerry Jones can keep his 'team' down there (I say 'team' because all's he has down there is players who think they personally ARE the team). And we all know he doesn't have the kind of Salary Cap room for $25 million dollars to one player. All's I know is, Bisciotti is trying to negotiate with Ray, and something tells me, Ray isn't going anywhere. Sorry to those who thought he would look good with a star on his helmet. He started here, he will retire here. No other team would ever retire his number anywhere else, and retiring his number is exactly what he deserves for all the hard work and effort he's put into this team!

Without Ray, they trully are just the 'Vens'.
We love you Ray!

GO RAVENS!!!!!!!!

Lewis is EXACTLY what the Cowboys need. Yes, Jones is an idiot at risk of becoming Al Davis. Their problem is that they have a ton of talent but absolutely no accountability - no vocal leaders, a soft coaching staff, and an "enabling" owner. Lewis would bring instant accountability inside the locker room, and when they win a playoff game (which they will), it will be his. If they win a Super Bowl, he might get his number retired with two teams!

ok... Im a dallas fan, in fact my families a Dallas fan, and you know, Dallas needs a fine leader with good spirit, lord knows they havent had one sence Emit Smith? They have Tony...with no competition to stop him from being cocky, if he's out, they teams in trouble... you got T.O whos ego is just as big it seems, you know, Dallas needs a heart player... hence the contract even though hes getting up there in age...

ok... change that... d-ware is a heart player, but too quite, Lewis' vocal ability could help alot

If it happens....Thanks Ray !!! You'll always be a Raven in my book. Next man up !!!!

BTW...Johnny U played his last year in SanDiego as a Charger.

To Hailey or anyone else that sees their way fit to compare the length of time between these 2 clubs existence, you must take in consideration of the Raven time as the Cleveland Browns. To do anything less would be unfair and if you do it this way, you will see that the Ravens/Browns has been in the league far longer. If you have anything on Dallas, it's that the time difference between Super Bowls has been less for your club, but in a comparison of years in existence vs. Super Bowl wins or appearances, you don't even begin to scratch the surface. The history of the Browns began in 1946, the Cowboys 1960. You guys had a 14 year head start and still come in a distant 2nd when compare to the Cowboys. So don't come at us with that load of crap about whose done what.

Jerry Jones is a selfish rich guy that wants to buy his way into the Superbowl. It makes me sick when I see owners like Jones that are willing to stoop to whatever level just to be on top.
A word to J.J:
If you had put as much importance on the character of your players as you did their abilities, maybe you'd have some leadership in your locker room.

Mr. Cowboy,

I would just like to say, that I happen to have a HUGE something against the Cowboys. Ray HIMSELF is NOT going to bring them a Superbowl win. Besides, he knows his chances of getting a Superbowl ring are MUCH MUCH MUCH greater here! You can't win 1 Playoff game, whereas we were one game away from the Superbowl! I was never trying to be rude, but even Ray himself said that money doesn't matter to him. He says he has a love for the game. If he loves the game enough, he'll know that his heart is here.

GO RAVENS!!!!

I will be devistated if he leaves. I have stuck as a Ravens fan in a predominantly Steeler household and it makes me really really sad to think of all those kids in the Maryland area look up to that man and he leaves. Please Ray stay.

Sing me your song of " We were one game away from the Super Bowl" all you want. Bottom line is the Ravens are in the same boat as the Cowboys singing that same song as every other team in the NFL but one, "Just wait until next season". Don't try to rationalize your loss, it still means the same thing, NO LOMBARDI!!!!!!!

That's fine Hailey, hold the Cowboys in contempt. That's fine by me, I know I have my own teams that I find to be the bottom of the barrel, but thanks to you and your infident words of wisdom, I will add the Ravens. You tend to forget that Tony Romo has only started 39 games in his career. Now I understand that Flacco was only a rookie, but in a tight fisted match, I much rather have Romo anyday. He will prevail and show you and the rest of the clowns, including Cowboy fans that want him gone, that he is going to bring mutiple championships back to Dallas. Dallas still has one of the youngest teams in the league and will only get better. The reason a majority of Raven fans want Lewis to stay, is because they know without him, all is virtually lost, especially on the defensive side of the ball, just ask Ed Reed. I have always said, the Cowboys are either the team you love or the team you love to hate. I have met thousands like you and you are all the same for the most part when it comes to your reasoning, "I just don't like them", but in this realm you're entitled to your own opinion, regardless of how shallow it may be. Good luck without Lewis, your team's going to need it.

Mr Cowboy,

We don't need 'luck' without Lewis, he ISN'T leaving! And yes, I do agree without Lewis, our team will be deeply hurt. And I don't believe Ray Lewis is above anyone on the team, but I DO believe he is the majority of spirit in the team.

I'm sorry my reasoning made you hate the Ravens, but truth be told, I know alot of Ravens fans hate the Cowboys as well. One person hating my team will not change the passion I have for football. I hear Steelers fans say it all the time. But the fact remains, your team is very self absorbed, whereas our players inspire each other, and help each other. TO and Romo just think the game's all about them.

Hey Rabid Great to hear back from you. Thanks so much for the gracious response! Tony Dorsett!! I loved Tony Dorsett. Hey ,I was Tony Dorsett in the backyard.That reminds me of my Mom's sister. She was a crazed Redskins fan. Her house was a museum to the team. She even had flaming red hair. She told me a story once of people setting pennants on fire at a Dallas-Skins game in the 70's. Crazy stuff. And of course I understand there is a lot of jawing and jabbing that goes on in the modern sports world. It's just when it gets angry it's no longer fun. I saw a great shirt a few years ago that simply said " the sports team from my home town is better than the sports team from your hometown" Great Shirt.As far as Ray is concerned- I agree with you. Meaning if he had played for Dallas for the last 13 years and at 34 years old Baltimore was interested in signing him for 30 million I would hesitate to jump on the bandwagon. It would be nice for Baltimore if they can come to a $ amount that helps both sides and lets him retire a Raven. Oh,when I was five years old some guy named Roger Staubach was playing football for Navy just a few blocks from my Grandmothers house! And then the murder case. A weird thing. He was aquitted. I wasn't there and I don't know. I understand the media circus that always surrounds your team. I have heard and read a lot that Ray has dedicated his life to his faith-to his communities- and to many NFL players who look for guidance. All Good Things. That being said, here in the world we live in ,if one of the victims were my family or friend---how would I feel. Tough stuff. There are some folks on here today going at it. Thanks for the good wishes. I hope Flacco continues to grow. Tony will be fine once things settle down. Good Q-backs are good for the game. Hope you got another Dorsett jersey along the way.. Bart

Hey Ya'll With sincere respect to Dallas, Washington, Pittsburgh, SF and all those great NFL teams with multiple Championships ( or any number of championships for that matter) I would like to Add. The Cleveland Browns Accomplishments belong in Cleveland where Art Modell left them. They don't belong to Baltimore or the Ravens. Just a reminder( and yes I wear my hometown pride right on my sleeve just as most of ya'll fans do). The City of Baltimore Has 4 NFL Championships. Four! So by your own standards, Yep the City of Baltimore is right up there in that elite group of great NFL teams with multiple championships. I don't write this to say anyone is wrong,my teams are better than yours,etc. I only write it to point out a sometimes overlooked fact and to say that just like you guys-I'm pround of my NFL ( or AFL if that was your team)history and the memories with the players, my family and friends. Great wishes to the NFL and all it's teams, fans, and great history and hopefully we can be sharing our stories and memories( and opinions!!!) Forever! Thanks for listening. Bart in Boulder

we'll take Lewis for a few years, just like all NFL players say "shoulda been a COWBOY"

3 of the 4 LB's are becoming free agents in the same off-season? Who's running this zoo, anyway? Wouldn't you think you'd want to stagger the free agency exposure of a particular position, rather than putting the entire LB core at risk in one year?

bart in boulder - very good points, but unfortunately for baltimore - the colts took their championships with them when they left......those championships dont belong to the city - they belong to the franchise that won them.....

I don't think any baltimore fan can hate Ray for doing whats best for him. He's one of the players in this league who truly deserves whatever anyone is willing to pay him. However, there's NO WAY he can go to Dallas. They cut his little brother Keon Lattimore (UMD)! On HBO no less. I could NEVER play for a team that cut my little brother, and Ray particularly values family first. I hope he just uses this Dallas nonsense to leverage a better deal with another team. -BohFlacco.com

Ray lewis is more than a Great Defensive player. I'll say he is prob in the top five for all time greatest players. If he moves to Dallas he will change that entire team around. Don't blame Jerry for trying to get Ray. Plus who woulnd't want to play for America's Team. The Dallas Cowboys.

Look Hailey, until you dropped your little bomb on me, I had no problem with the Ravens other than the fact they beat the Cowboys this year and because of it, it basically cut our chances of making the playoffs down to one game. Ultimately though, the burden of not making it rest squarely on the shoulders of the Cowboys themselves. To say that the Cowboys are the only team in the league with players that are self-absorbed is obtuse on your part. If you think the Ravens don't have issues of that nature, you're only fooling yourself. The difference of the two teams is nothing more than one being in the public eye more than the other one. When you go out and get high profile or troubled player, such as T.O. or Pacman Jones, you open a Pandora's box for the media to go through as if it were a treasure chest. It's the mother-load of the never ending column and as much as everyone hates to hear about the Cowboys is as much as they love to hear about them as well. It's a soap opera that you don't have to watch, but yet you choose to. WHY???!!! Because the bottom line is, you're the type of person who would go to a NASCAR race for the sole purpose to see a wreck, not because of your love for cars. Same thing here. See, I know that my team has issues. Issues to realize, issues to overcome, but your self-rightousness allows you to overlook the short comings of the Ravens. Fine by me, but don't think for one minute that the Ravens don't have those "what about me" players, they just don't put it out there for the world to see and even if they did, everyone would still be looking to see what was going on in Dallas anyway.

u bulls r all just mad cause the boys are gettin the only good player on ur team... other then ed reed

Mr Cowboy,

Alright then, you name one player on the Ravens who is self-absorbed...I can't!

And as far as 'issues' go, we DO have issues on the field, but NONE in the locker room, I can assure you that! Ray is always there to promote teamwork, which is why our team has high morale. We know that even when we go up against the Steelers, there is a chance we might win. If I recall, we won our very first game against them. And my philosophy is, if we can beat them once, we can do it again!

And until Ray leaves (although he won't), I stand behind my team 100% in whatever they do. I know that we have strong leaders like Bisciotti, Harbaugh and Ozzie to make the right decisions.

How about Lewis himself????!!!! This story says that Lewis is looking for a 3yr $27 million deal with $25 mill guarenteed. If Ray Lewis is such a team player, how did this story ever hit in the first place????!!!!! Something for all of you fans that think he's the ultimate team player. Don't choke on it.

Nothing Unfortunate for Baltimore. The Games were not a physical thing Irsay could load into the Mayflower Trucks. They were played by players who played for a city and it's fans at a certain time and those memories remain with the players and fans of that time.The Baltimore Colts played in Baltimore. The Indianapolis Colts Play in Indiana. They don't call em the Baltimore Colts of Indianapolis. The Lombardi trophy from SB five is in Baltimore. If Unitas was alive, he'd clear it up for ya in no uncertain terms. Where he played and who has rights to what Championships. He's no longer with us-God bless him. So if you want the facts --don't argue with me. Ask Artie Donovan or Gino Marchetti what city the Championships belong to. They played in the games-not us. Ask an old Brooklyn Dogers fan if thier World Series Win lives in L.A. The Irsay family broke our hearts-but they didn't take anything but a name.

It's a no-brainer to resign Ray. They must convince him to stay and find the most creative way to make it work under the cap. He might be past his peak physically at 33 but is still is better than any other of the LB's on the team, had a better all around season than any other of the LB's on the team and is a revenue generator for the city and loved by the city almost like Cal, and provides inspiration and leadership to the team, more than almost any sports star in history.

Woo Come to Dallas Ray!! Who cares about Baltimore!!! Come to Americas team! the greatest franchise is the NFL!

Ray Lewis will remain a Baltimore Raven.The Ravens will slap the franchise tag on Terrell "T-SIZZLE" Suggs and Bart Scott will become a free agent.Their are multiple players that the Ravens need to get rid of. Chris Mcalister, Todd Heap, Willis Mcgahee,Kyle Boller,and Bennie Anderson all need to go.There isn't a receiver in free agency that is worth getting. The Ravens need a tall speedy WR that can catch jump balls in the red zone, so look for them to draft Darrius Heyward-Bay out of the university of Maryland. The Ravens also may want to consider drafting a young pass rushing DE, and acquiring another affordable CB in free agency or via trade. As much as Dallas wants Ray Lewis, Ozzie won't allow Ray to leave. Dallas is a team in turmoil right now, and they should be worried about keeping Demarcus Ware happy (leagues leader in sacks).The Ravens have built a strong foundation and our future looks bright with or without Ray. We finally have a franchise QB, our defense will remain elite because we breed defensive players. Who knew of Bart Scott, Adalius Thomas, Ed Hartwell, Kelly Gregg, and Justin Bannan before they played for the Ravens? I agree that the Ravens have to improve at the WR,CB,and DE positions. I'm gonna predict a Superbowl victory for the Ravens within the next 3 seasons.

all of you out there. aside from ray being a great player, and i admit that even being from pittsburgh, the steelers are a consistant winner because of stability. only three coaches since 1969. they don't go after free agents and they get most of their talent from the draft. this is called stability, stability, stability.

go steelers, make it six

as a steeler fan, i say that yes ray is a great player and the ravens are a good team. the reasons that the steelers are a consistant good team is ownership and stability. only three coaches since 1969 and wise drafting.better luck next year ravens, but i say this. lets go steelers go for six

How can anyone say Ray Lewis is on the downside of his career? Have any of you watched a Ravens game this year? He's playing as good now as he did when they won the Super Bowl 7 years ago. Without him this defense would not be as good as it is not just because of his skill but because his leadership is a HUGE factor. Baltimore has already said they will not use the franchise tag but I would really like to see him stay in Baltimore. Leaving for any other team would be the real downside to a Hall of Fame career.

Dear Ray, Please stay in Baltimore. You can play for at least 3 more years, then you can run for mayor. You will win easily. You can even become the Ravens linebacker coach and be mayor at the same time. Baltimore will be happy for you to do whatever you want. You will NOT be happy if you go to Dallas. Guaranteed.

I think Ray Lewis would be great in Dallas,not saying he will bring a super bowl but,he will bring much needed leadership in the locker room and help Jerry Jones,Terrell Owens,Felix Jones and Demarcus Ware fill seats and pay salaries in the new Palace.

Ray Lewis is a graet player and has done great things in Balimore,but if Jerry Jones want to pay Lewis that type of money then at the end of the day, Ray has to pay his bills. Who cares if fans will or wil not like him anymore,these days most fans will throw a Pro player under the bus as soon as the media post,don't matter if its true or false.

I read a comment that said Jerry Jones is becoming a joke of an owner in the NFL, news flash,when you have that type of money,(From the words of rapper Young Jeezy)"YOU CAN BECOME WUT EVA YOU LIKE". I think Jerry Jones has made alot of bad choices but in that, he truly wants to win a Super Bowl and will pay and support his player(s) to the bitter end > "PAC MAN JONES " for cry'n out loud,Oh bye the way,have you seen his new "Kingdom"? Say what you want about Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys but at the end of the day about 85% of the NFL players wants to play in Big "D" baby!

Why, Moe $$$Money$$$,Moe Honeys and hell, its the Dallas Cowboys...America's Team ! and did I say, "MOE $$$$ MONEY! END OF STORY!

Mr Cowboy,

Nowhere in the article did it say he was LOOKING for that kind of money. It said they were willing to OFFER him that kind of money.

Ray Lewis isn't the type to just up and leave. As much as you want to say he is self absorbed, you don't KNOW the Ravens like I do, otherwise you would know what really goes on in Charm City. He's got a legacy here, so why would he leave it all behind? Some people just really get me how they think that all good players are the arrogant ones. Maybe you should take a look at some of your own there, huh?

WHO CARES ABOUT RAY LEWIS HE IS OLD. WE DON'T NEED HIM WE NEED A GM. WE DON'T NEED TO ADD ANOTHER "JERRY'S KID" TO OUR ROSTER ie...T.O. PACMAN, TANK JOHNSON. WHAT DALLAS FANS WANT IS A GM THAT KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING. 12 YEARS SINCE OUR LAST SB. HOW MANY GM'S WOULD STILL HAVE THERE JOB WITH THE CRAP JERRY HAS PUT OUT THERE THE LAST 12 YEARS?

bring ray lewis to big d the defence would be unstbaple with d ware bradie james and ray lewis yall dnt no whats coming next year

It is not about Ray Lewis(one of mmy favorite Raven's), it is about the TEAM. What is in the best interest for the Raven's in the future. Is it in the best interest of the Raven's to tie up a lot of money in a big contract or should we resign or younger talent first? Some say Ray is on thge down side of the hill in his great career as a Raven, this I can not say with the great major injury free season he had this year but the miles are getting high on this car. What ever decision is made I hope it is in the best interest of the Baltimore Raven's and not a emotional decision.

OK, I'll give you that Hailey, the article said the Cowboys would be willing to give Lewis that much, but I'm sure that his agent was looking for more than that. How do you think this story got out?? I'll tell you right now, it was not leaked out by the Cowboys, if these talks even took place. Probably Lewis' agent trying to up his market value by leaking a bogus interest story and everyone eats it up like candy, including most Cowboy fans. We don't need Ray. Dallas has one of the best linebacker corps in the NFL, as where the Ravens need Ray to cause the stir that he does in order to be effective. As to your point of the Cowboys having arrogant players, tell me something I don't know, but as I said before, it is the "Soap Opera" that is the Dallas Cowboys, but you eat it up, everyone does. There is a 24-7 watch on the Cowboys, because as I also said, the Cowboys are either the team you love or the team you love to hate. It's obvious which way you learn, but trust me, it's no skin off my rear. You can hold your "mighty than thou" outlook when it comes to my team, but don't tell me that the Ravens are immune to it. That's just plain bunk.

First off Dallas doesnt need a soon to be warshed up player. I am a big fan of Ray Lewis but he means too much to the ravens and is staying in baltimore. The problem isnt T.O. either, its Romo. Didnt score one touchdown against the Eagles. Jerry Jones is so stupid. You can get all the good players you want jerry but until you make them a team they will never go any where. Need team players.

ray lewis is a baltimore raven only!! he should settle for what he gets money wise and stay here with us ! he's been here his whole career why go to dallas just to fill seats at a new stadium ?? its funny to me if he actually decides to go there considering how muh of a joke and fluke there team is and has been for a while !! rey reys a raven 4 life no matter what happens !!!!!!!!!!!

i think baltimore should just let ray go. hes amazing, but bart scott and suggs are way more important.

RAY LEWIS SHOULD GO WITH DALLAS AND HE WILL DO GOOD AT DALLAS

YOUR ALL HATERS CAUSE JERRY IS INTRESTED IN ADDING HIM TO THE ROSTER

He can stay or go, it will not matter....The Pittsburgh Steelers are the elite team in the AFC and the Division. Go Steelers

Ray Lewis should just stay with the Ravens because its not going to work out with Dallas

i really feel ray should stay he is like a cal ripken in baseball. if ray leaves i will get rid of my psl,s

I UNDERSTAND RAVENS FANS.RAY IS A GREAT PLAYER THAT IS WHAT DALLAS NEEDS A PLAYER TO PUMP UP OUR PLAYERS.I THINK HE WILL LEAD OUR D" TO THE SUPER BOWL THAT IS WHAT HE DOES.I PRAY HE COMES HERE.YOU KNOW THE FUNNY THING ABOUT THIS IF THEY DO SIGN HIM I WAS JUST TALKIN OUT MY BUTT THE DAY DALLAS DID NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS AND HAD TO GO TO WORK AND HEAR A BUNCH OF CRAP FROM ALL THE HATERS I TOLD THEM RAY IS A FREE AGENT AND HE WOULD BE IN DALLAS.I CALLED IT B4 ANYBODY!ESPN NEEDS ME REPORTING 4 THEM.I BULL CRAP YOU NOT!!I CALLED IT B4 ANYBODY!NOW RUN TELL THAT!

Ray Lewis is exactlly what BIG D needs to help thier defense: roy williams, ken hamlin, terrance newman, demarcus Ware

ed reeds the man in baltimore now but wo ray the d will take a big hit in run support

If cry baby Ray wants to make it to the superbowl next year, he better sign with Cowboys. Because as long as the Ravens have to go through the Steelers to get there, its not going to happen! Shot out to my PITTSBURGH STEELERS the Super Bowl Champs!!! We are the best team in the league.

YAY for Ray Lewis leaving the cowboys
hip
hip
HOORAY!!!!
YEAAA!!!
WOOOHOOO!!!
yea baby

Hey Matt R., the Cowboys are not the joke here, it's your spelling and your knowledge of football. Ray Lewis may be a Raven, but was not always the case, or did you forget where this franchise came from? That's right, he played for the Browns. As far as my Cowboys being a fluke, don't go casting stones. Dallas had an off year, it happens to the best of clubs or did you also forget that your precious Ravens went 5-11 in the 2007-08 season. If anything is a fluke, it's has to be this last season for the Ravens, but the had chemistry on their team this year and that makes a world of difference. It was no fluke that the Cowboys had produce 13 Pro-Bowlers in that 2007-08 season, the talent level for this team is too high to be a fluke. Plagued by injuries and bad decision making is what killed the Cowboys this year and they still almost made it to the playoffs. We don't need Ray to fill our new stadium seats and we don't need Ray, or rey as you spelled it, to win football games, or bring a championship back to Dallas. Time will take care of that.

Dallas is no Baltimore? You're right Dallas is a way better team. Baltimore was lucky to get anywhere this year, only because of a few good players. Too bad all their line backers are free agents this year and do not want to re sign witha HORRIBLE club!

The reality is that Baltimore is too small to keep Ray if we really do want him. Its just not possible for us to compete with teams with history in true football towns and fans / tv contracts with money. Sorry to see you go Ray.

Dallas is a better team than Baltimore? Just because you have names like T.O. Romo Barber both roy williams and ware doesnt mean your good. You guys had your chance to make the playoffs, but you blew it. You picked the Ravens to close out your stadium (good move Jerry) and then you made yourself the joke of the NFL when you lost to Philly when you win and your in? You completely blew away the season and have no heart. I wouldnt wish Dallas on any team leader let alone Ray Lewis. If he leaves, let him go somewhere like arizona or even Philly. NOT DALLAS. The Ravens reminding you the same ravens who were projected to go about 5-11 made it to the AFC Championship are worse than Dallas? No. We are on the rise again and need to fill a WR and CB spot. If Ray goes to the cowgirls i will have lost respect for him and hate the girls even more.

GO RAVENS

ok first of all da ravens rnt anywhere near as good as a team as da cowboys and da boys would definately win a superbowl if da had ray lewis and da ravens rnt gana win a championship wit him and really wont witout him da r just dragin him down and im tired of stupid ppl just blowin smoke on da boys ur just mad dat da r clearly da better franchise and dat even witout ray da will win but it would be easier wit him

First off, the Cowboys had many chances to beat the Ravens and they couldn't do it. Argument over. Although I am a huge Ray Lewis fan and have been to every game since '96 but this is truly Ray's decision. He knows he has peaked in the NFL already and its as simple as if he wants to take a smaller salary, he will stay. If he is unwilling to compromise and wants more money (like 80% of players in the league), he will go. The NFL is a business and we sometimes overlook that fact. I hope he decides to stay and good luck to him and the Ravens in the 09 Season!!

Ray Lewis has to stay with Baltimore. He is the face of that whole Ravens team. If it wasent for Ray Lewis, the Ravens wouldn't have a super bowl ring or had made it to the AFC championship, WHICH THEY SHOULD HAVE WON!

OH MAN I HOPE RAY SAYES WITH THE RAVENS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to say Welcome, to the Cowboys Ray Lewis.

Bye Ray, I am sorry but Scott and Suggs can handle it and remember the Draft is around the corner. We can pick up a CB, and OLB and move Suggs to MLB, and still have the cash for deep threat in the Free Agency. The defense may slack a little but the offense should pick up where its lacking

Ray Lewis would clean up the mess up in the locker room for sure and with Ware and Lewis on defense its gonna be a good football team

Hello Ray, and dont you ravens fans ever catagorize yourselves with us difference, were stacked ur not you had a lucky run and like the steeler guy said you will never beat them the only team that could beat them is the cowboys so go win 4 more superbowls then you can talk to us big boys (steelers,cowboys,giants etc.

Ray Lewis is the Balitimore Ravens!