You can't be upset about this Raven fans. Ray Lewis has always recruited players at the Pro Bowl for the Ravens in years past. These players get together in Hawaii and talk about how great it would be to play on the same team. Nothing more, nothing less. Don't take everything so personal Baltimore!

The Cowboys are $10 million under the cap and still have Ware to sign. The Jets are $7 million over the cap and are in need of a starting QB. I don't think Ray is going to be a Cowboy or a Jet.

I fully understand that Ray likes to play the game by creating hype, if for no other reason than to push the team along. Such is life in Ray's world as well as the NFL in general.

But there reaches a point where enough is enough. The Ravens can use that money for Bart Scott, T-Sizzle, Jason Brown, a quality free agent WR or CB, or one of a hundred other ways.

Ray has made known his wish to play everywhere but here. What's that old chestnut about being careful what you wish for...??

I don't understand why everyone is freaking out. What do you want, Ray to go on tv and state, "Hey, I love B'more i want to finish my career here." ??? I won't consider playing anywhere else. That makes a little sense as Biscotti going on tv stating the team will do everything in its power to keep Ray. Clearly we all want to keep Ray, and obviously, Ray wants to stay here under the right conditions. This just needs to play out and see what the market bears for a 33 year old linebacker who is more of a coach than a play maker. Ultimatley the question is how many teams are an 8-10mm LB away from winning a championship in the next 2 years?

If Ray Lewis wants to go to Dallas that bad, let him go. He only has a few years left barring an injury. With each passing year his chances of injury increase. He shouldn't get the big money.

Ray's just trying to create a little leverage. Don't read too much into all this posturing, he'll probably be a Raven when it's all said and done. If not, oh well, he had a great career here.

Who's taking it personally? If he wants to go to Dallas that's his right.

Either he genuinely wants to be a Cowboy and planted a seed with that orginization, or he planted a seed of competition to use as a bargaining chip against the Ravens. Or both. Either way it's a smart move.

If he leaves, I'll always appreciate everything he did for the Ravens in 13 HOF seasons as the face of the franchise , including leading them to the SBXXXV championship.

If he stays, I'll look forward to the things he'll bring in the future too.

Ravens can offer something those other teams can't, playoffs.

Okay, Brad. Thanks for the tip. Is it okay while we don't take it so personal with Ray we won't give it so personal either?

Therefore, offer him what a 34-year old LB is worth -- a LB who is no longer the best ever, just a very good LB.

Hey, it's only business and Bisciotti has other mouths to feed.

Let him walk. You would being paying him for past performance anyway. He's obviously lost a step and most likely won't be effective by the third yr of the 3 yr contract he wants. The money should be spent on locking up Scott and Leonhard. 2 younger players who will make less but deliver more. This is a business and when you make business decisions with your heart you always wind up with heartache

i understand the free agent game but lewis saying that to ware is crossing the line in my book. it's a slap in the face to the ravens. pretty classless. if lewis really said that to ware, personally, i could do without him. give me guys who truly respect the ravens organization. lewis actions say he's not one of those guys.

When I see Ray in a Cowboy or a Jets uniform, thats when I'll believe it.
Until then, he's still a Raven!

Ray just posturing. If he goes, he goes. I trust Ozzie to get him at an appropriate price that makes sens for the TEAM :)

That's easy to say when you aren't in Baltimore or a Raven's fan, Brad. Or, if the city never stood behind him during the ups and downs in his career. It is personal if he wants to tarnish his legacy by skipping town for more money. How many players spent their whole career with one team to sign with another and spoiled their legacy because they couldn't perform the way they did in the past? See Brett Favre. There are players who were cut at the end and tried with other teams and never performed to expectations in a new system. See Johnny U, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and soon to be Marvin Harrison. My point is, if you want to tarnish your legacy, try to be an old dog learning new tricks, be prepared for some backlash in the city you left for more money. Of course, it's personal. It's football. It's always personal.

If he wants out I say let him go. We as fan made Lewis; we're the ones that pay for the high ticket prices to see the team fight come Sunday. I don't recall Lewis building the City of Baltimore. There's someone else younger, faster and hungrier that's out there. Sorry I'm so sick of players crying about millions yet some of us non-football players have to struggle to make a living.

Brad

A.Who's taking it personal?

B. Ray talked to Ware after the Dallas game (regular season). Not in at the Pro Bowl.

This is the part of the game I hate most. If Ray Lewis wants the most money he can get than go get it and know that his posturing is alienating him from fans who are losing their jobs with far less financial security then Mr. Lewis has.

Just shut up and play football.

I agree;talk is cheap and Ray is a business man,too.I can't blame him for gauging his worth after 13 seasons.Everybody in Ravens nation just keep holding your breath about Ray,it's not the end of an era,yet.Ozzie and Steve will offer the best they can;if not accepted then at least they tried and some fans will probably go off the deep end about the whole thing.How long do we expect Ray to play up to all-pro potential,forever?I'd be more concerned with Suggs' injury for next season since we have to keep him.Last thing- and Landry's neck injury qualifies as a sure healer over signing Jim Leonard?

It sounds like whatever happens to Lewis, the Ravens will be in a better position to keep Suggs and Scott, regardless what happens to Lewis.

As to Brad's comment about 'not taking this personal', I don't think too many of us are. But given the support the city, ownership, and coaches have given Ray throughout his career, we can be disappointed since Ray hasn't said 'My first priorirty is to remain a Baltimore Raven. Business is business on both sides of the table, but I hope we can come to an agreement soon.'

Hearing that he made these comments to Ware, if true, certainly don't sound like a guy who's appreciative of what he already has. Nothing personal, just an observation.

I think Ray should just have kept quite about his situation. We are all aware of his contributions over the years that he's been here. I also think he should get paid as well, but not @ breaking the bank. He just needs to relax with all of the God talk and let his agent put some numbers to the paper and see were we are at. I remember vividly when we saw him in shackles and as a city put our reputation out there to support him.

Right about now he is shooting himself in the foot when he really doesn't need to.

If he goes so be it. Great players like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott, Johnny Unitas changed teams so the ( I don't play any less, so I shouldn't get paid any less ) can go as well if he feels the need!

It's called "show me the money" .
You can't blame these guys for using whatever means are available, to receive that big payday.
In Ray's case,he's a 33 year LB who wants one last big payday.
The question is ......who believes his attributes as an athlete, leader and tutor to younger players are worth more to their franchise?
I think the Cowpokes don't have the money to satisfy him.
Now the Jets could be another matter. They've really increased their Cap Space, in the last couple of weeks. A lot of that available space depends on whether we re-sign Bart Scott. Scott's a thumper who I think we need to keep.
It's gonna be that numbers' game, however. If he's not signed by Friday, he's gonna find out who is offering what amounts.
We haven't heard much rumblings from him or his agent, who also represents Jason Brown. I'm hoping we can keep both, but that seems unlikely.
We truly need to keep Brown to grow with Flacco's O-line unit. We have a hefty amount of good,young talent at the LB slots.
The longer these guys hold off from signing after Friday, increases the chance of them staying here. Even if it's not a huge advantage, it's still an advantage. That's better than none at all.
This is all you can hope for, at the present time.
Do I wanna be a Raven, or do I go somewhere else... to get my payday?

Nobody seems to be taking this personal, so far as I can tell.

We are headed to overpaying for this legend, when we should be focusing more on Bart Scott and Tavares Gooden...and the future.

None of what he's done in the past - Hall of Fame caliber, absolutely - should influence a decision to overpay for him now. I want him back as most do. But at the right number.

The biggest mistake people make about this is in markets with significant ticket inventory where "overpaying" can be justified with the payback period in ticket sales.

After all the hoopala and the smoke has cleared, you will see # 52 in purple and black next year. In addition, I don't see the Ravens breaking the bank to keep him. I see 2 maybe 3 year deal that's more than fair to Ray.

The city of Baltimore, for the most part, was the only city that stood behind Ray when everyone else kicked him while he was down, calling him everything except Ray. Now those same fans want him to play for their team. HYPOCRITES!! I am taking it personally, although I understand his position to get all he can.

Could Ray do a worse PR job in Baltimore then he's done. Even if he resigns people here see thru all of his junk. Ray agents should have thought all this out and its clear they didn't.

Good bye Ray, it s been great. Lets save our money and keep Suggs and Scott and move on. I am a die hard Ravens fan, but Ray has done nothing for me in the last 7 years. He is a good player that when contract time comes, has to play stupid games. I am long tired of them and him. Lets all move on, please.

Ray is staying. He's the backbone. The soul of this team. He's just using leverage to get his pay day and that's his right. Can't hate a man for getting what he can, especially at his age.
The window for a championship is rapidly closing though.
Just when our defense is on its last leg, the offense FINALLY steps up!

Ray's always dreamed of being a Dallas Cowboy? He's 33 years old and we're just now hearing this? hahaha Oh pleeeeeez. How can anybody believe that nonsense? He dreamed of being the best player to ever play the game (no player can really ever make that claim)...he dreamed of winning championships (check that one off). This Cowboy talk is hilarious. I GUARANTEE you that he's laughing his butt off at the media and fans right now for buying into this bologny.

All of the cap situations say that the Cowboy's and Jet's will not have the big money to offer Ray Lewis. I say that if you made the bed you should be the one to sleep in it. Ray Lewis please get in your bed and have sweet dreams in Dallas or where ever else you dream of playing football!

I say the Ravens should just forget about Ray. He wants to go to Dallas just say "See you". We don't need him if that is his attitude. And with the economic situation in the country I am sure a lot of teams aren't looking to pay 10 million a year to a guy who is past his prime.

Ray can end up playing for 2 million a year for all I care. Loyalty is a 2 way street and Ray seems to more concerned about Ray than about the team.

Theres no way Ray goes to Dallas. They run a 3-4 with nobody to take on blockers so Ray can roam free. If he does this, it's career suicide. I mean, either way it is if he doesn't sign with the Ravens. He won't go anywhere else and be "RAY LEWIS". He'll just be Ray Lewis of whatever team. The Ravens know this and Ray does too. Yeah he might get paid, but with a young quarterback and a team on the cusp, why would you trade that for Tony Romo and TO ??? (T.O. = Totally Obnoxious) Dallas has too many headaches and Jerry Jones thinks hes a football guy, but isn't. Ray, your best bet is to stay and get paid here and hopefully get a chance to get to the show again. You know how close we are.

Ray is the most dominant and exciting player the NFL has seen in a few decades. I sure hope he stays in Baltimore a few more years and retires with the Ravens. Bart Scott is the one who can walk...he's not even a fraction the player Ray is. It would be in the Ravens' and Ray's best interest to have him stay in Baltimore.

Ray will probably stay. I am more excited about which cornerback we will pick in the first round.
Please sign Brown.

Not quite sure what DeMarcus Ware is smoking. I was at the Saturday night game in Dallas and believe me there is no chance Ray Lewis made these comments before, during, or after that game. Ware states Lewis approached him during the game and made his statement. I just finished watching the game over for the second time today, and not once was Ray Lewis and DeMarcus Ware even near each other. Let alone see Ray point to the star on anyone's helmet. When this statement came out I was thinking it was false. Ray Lewis was out of this world focused before that game in warmups, (no way they spoke then with a gesture towards Ware's helmet), and immediatly after the game Ray sprinted directly to the locker room, without even giving a wave to his good buddy Deion Sanders (who some may think is playing a very large part in the "lure" to "Big D"). That is why I watched this game again and again and just didnt see when and where this conversation took place. If I missed it, please let me know. Perhaps Mr Ware can blow some more of his somke up this way so that we all can see it.
Oh thats right, King Jerry has issued a gag order. Wonder how long thats going to last..

ray is a man of God. say what you want about the past, the past is the past. and as a man of God, he knows that where your treasure is there your heart is also, that a man's life doesn't consist of the abundance of his possesions, and that a good name is worth more than all kinds of riches. therefore, i believe if he is who he says he is, he will being finishing his legacy in purple and black.

I honestly don't think that statement is true, though Ray maybe creating leverage by not denying it, I still believe he will stay. Look this team did more last season than the Cowboys have done in the last 12 years!!! Plus, they are signing Ware to a huge contract extension, they can't afford Ray. Ray knows his legacy is here and when it's all said and done I believe he will remain in Baltimore

If the Ravens had a losing season, you bet the Ravens would let Ray go. When the Ravens win, Ray takes the credit.

What happened when the Ravens lost? Ray either pouts that he has no supporting cast or he hides and talks to no one.

I appreciate Ray's skill but its a team game. Personally, I'm going to laugh at the money he'll really get which is ALOT LESS THAN HE EXPECTS! muahahaha.

There is One, and only ONE thing you need to know about Ray Lewis' decision for next year. In a single word the answer is MOMMA........Ray is going nowhere without Momma, and Momma is staying in MD. End of discussion..............

No matter what happens, I want to say Thank You Ray! I went from a Sad Colts Fan to a USFL Baltimore Stars...settle for a team fan! To a Baltimore Stallions or was it the Baltimore CFL'rs. Finally, Memorial Stadium was painted Purple and the TEAM stood strong in those crazy looking uniforms with the big white stripe down the legs... Ray Lewis stood in the middle like the Maximus said..."Let's show the Baltimore football fans" The NFL is back in town!" Thanks RAY.... You made us smile again. No matter what happens...we were blessed to have such a wonderful experience. Be blessed my brotha. You've done dayum good!

Just an aside on Johnny U. leaving the Colts. He, in my opinion, was driven out of town by a selfish, egomaniac owner. Ancient history, I know, but it irks me reading posts where it implies Johnny U. abandoned the city for more money, etc. We all saw what that owner had in the back of his mind from day one.

As a Jet fan, and an active member of the official Jets forum, I can tell you that the majority of Jets fans don't want Lewis. They want Scott and Leohnard. Jets fans were burned by the acquisition of an aging QB and don't want to go down that road again with Lewis.

No matter what happens, thank you Ray Lewis for making me a proud Raven fan for having the best linebacker in the game on our team. As a person living in St Louis, all I hear is if we had Ray Lewis then it would be different. I have friends who are Chiefs fans who say our defense is horrible if we had someone like Ray Lewis. Who wouldnt want him. Good Luck in getting all the money you can. I'm sorry except from Pittsburgh.

Bye Ray, Good Riddence. I'm sick of hearing how he want's this and that. this is the same crap that got Mccalister benched and released this season the whole ME!!!!!! factor. As for what the first guy wrote, Lewis didn't recruit anyone at the pro bowl. name 1 player that came here because Ray Lewis talked to them...... hmmmmm zero so that's a load of crap. and like I've said before Ray is only a fan favorite because of 2 things 1 he makes plays (as do Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Todd heap, Bart Scott, Jarret Johnson, Nagata, and Mason) But the the one thing he does that the others don't. Brag about it or act like he's great that's it, if any of those players opened up and went out into the media's eye they'd be our face. That's all he's done. not one player on our team has come here because they wanted to play with or for Ray Lewis. none of them. so bye ray we didn't need you in 2000 we don't need you now. I will be there on opening day to Boo him when he comes out

Nothing is more important for the development of Joe Flacco than having a solid offensive line in front of him, and that starts with the Ravens doing whatever it takes to keep Jason Brown. If push comes to shove, I say good-bye to Ray Lewis.