If Ray Lewis enters that locker room he will not have half of the leadership respect that he gets here in Baltimore. TO listening to Ray? Roy Williams, DeMarcus Ware? Come on, those guys are way too established and have way too much attitude. Also, the C-Boys will not over pay for Lewis. They are close to the salary cap, and DeMarcus Ware is up for a huge contract soon. He is much more valuble than Ray, especially to Dallas. Ray really only has top dollar value around here in Baltimore.

There isn't any doubt that the raven organization will miss ray lewis. He has been the face of this team since it's inception, but it seems to me that ray really wants to go somewhere else. If that is the case then i say let him go, if will find out that there isn't any other team in this league that he will have the same impact on no matter what happens. The ravens should make him a very fair offer and if he rejects it then move on to signing suggs and others that want to be here.No one player no matter how good he is should hold a team hostage.For some reason ray doesn't won't to stay here and i would have a great deal more respect for him if he was truthful as to why. I told everybody in the begining of last year that there were some veterans that didn't buy into coach harbaugh's tougher more physical training camps. I said back then that chris, todd heap, scott and even ed reed didn't by into the new system and i also said that they won't be on next years team.I think all will be gone except ed reed.Coach harbaugh hasn't fully weeded out everybody yet but make no mistake about the fact that he will.

Dal has no cap room and key guys to re-sign. RayRay is using Mikey and the media to try and build up his market.

Wouldn't that be considered tampering?

Mike,

I seem to recall a report from awhile ago about Jones saying he wants Lewis for leadership and there being some figures thrown out with that group. Am I remembering right? If that is correct, wouldnt that be tampering? Is there tampering in the NFL?

Ray is just playing the game. He is trying to drum up the perception that he will be sought after by some of the high dollar franchises but as has been written already, Dallas has cap trouble. Jerry Jones is on the record as saying he won't be pursuing any high dollar free agents this offseason. Now that could change but I highly doubt RayRay is going anywhere. This is how the business side of the game is played and it will continue until he signs a deal the Ravens feel is worthy. Mark it down, Ray will retire a Raven.

He can't take Ngata w/him...get the point.

I hope you guys are right. We've got enough a-holes in Dallas without adding this one.

Why would Ray Lewis be shopping his services LAST SUMMER? Are we supposed to believe that the emotional leader of the Ravens was trying to find a way out of town while he was also trying to lead the Ravens? When did TO become a credible media source?

Good point Chris...

I agree Alex,
It does sound a lot like tampering to me. Sure, Lewis isn't speaking DIRECTLY to Jones, but trying to spark up some kind of dollar figure. Either way, it's tampering.

Oh I just looked, Sporadic said the same thing. Part of me hopes Jones get's caught tampering so he Cowboys are out of the equation...but we all know that it's just media hype...I hope.

One word: Leverage. Aside from being a really crappy TV show, leverage is something that is essential to any contract negotiations. I really believe that Ray wants to finish his career in Baltimore, go for another championship, and cement his legacy. Don't think for a second that Ray's legacy is not important to him; that simple fact puts leverage on the side of the Ravens organization. Ray pining to play in Dallas or NY is just his attempt to swing leverage in his favor. I really think he is going to get as much money from us as he can. There is no way he would actually rather play for Dallas.

Ray has said he can't wait to be a free agent for the first time ever... now he's contacted the cowboys (albeit via TO) a year before he was to even be a free agent.. his comments the last few weeks, have been taken by the raven faithful, as posturing. "Baltimore will always be his town"? hmmm.... They should be taken seriously...

If we have to wait until after he becomes a free agent, for him to decide wether he wants to come back.. I say let him go, and resign Scott and Suggs!!! We have to move on eventually, if it's now, so be it. I would rather the team be better in the long run, than just the next year or so.

Dallas still has cap issues before they can even try and get Ray. He maybe exploring his options but I'm sure Ray wants to stay here, he knows what he is worth to the organization and that's far more than he'd be worth to Dallas or anywhere else.

Ray Lewis needs to think long and hard before he leaps into another team’s locker room. For years, all Lewis preached has been about team and loyalty, telling all who would listen that it was this bond that comes first.
But now, Lewis is singing a different tune and it’s a tune that goes contrary to what his mantra has always been. Is this the "real" Ray that we are seeing; was all of his impassioned talk just that... talk? Instead of bleeding purple and black I guess he bleeds green after all, just like the rest of the high profile “prim donnas” in the NFL.
Lewis' NFL Network interview with Jamie Dukes was very telling. Dukes, who hung on Lewis like a cheap suit, looked more like a bad mouth piece than a professional broadcaster. Dukes looked ridiculous, while Lewis, with his integrity hung out to dry, belched out what he swore were private thoughts known only to God and himself. Was it the Hawaiian sunshine or the oratorical skills of Dukes that got Ray to break such a solemn oath? My guess, it was neither, it was just the real Ray Lewis waiting for the right moment to appear. Lewis did his best to act like the whole interview was unrehearsed, but in his mind he undoubtedly went over it a thousand times (and probably a few times with Dukes as well.)
It's sad that a career as great as Ray Lewis' has been in Baltimore may have to end on such a sour note as this. Lewis, who played the victim in his interview, stated that he was surprised at the fact that he was even discussing playing for another team, not to mention the fact that the Raven Org. hadn’t step up long before to prevent this day from coming. When asked about a "home town discount" Lewis scoffed, "I don't play less, why should I take less?" Guess Ray Ray never heard of the "time to give back a little rule."
Actually, it's really not a rule, its just something that class players do towards the end of their careers to show a team and a town how much they appreciate the years of devotion and loyalty that particular organization and City have given them, and in Ray Lewis' case I would think that would be most evident.
Oh, but I forgot, Jerry Jones is offering a twenty million dollar signing bonus and a thirty million dollar deal for three years if Ray will go there and right the sinking ship that is Dallas.
C'mon Ray, I know you’re smarter than that. You know that you will never have that kind of clout anywhere but in Baltimore, and if you do sell your soul to the devil whatever clout that you do have will be left will be dying on the turf at M&T.
I really want to believe that all of the words that Lewis has spoken over the years were not just the empty sayings of a greedy gas bag looking for his next big payout. I want Ray Lewis here in Baltimore where he belongs. I want his number retired and his name in the ring of honor, hell, I'd even like to see a statue of him gracing the other side of M&T book ending Johnny U. But if he leaves, it's doubtful that any of that will ever happen. What's more likely though is that where ever he winds up he ends as being a huge disappointment that never produced. Typical of so many aged veteran players that went after one more big score instead of counting their blessings and staying loyal to the team that deserved it.

Why would you choose T.O. to represent you? That's ridiculous.

As a Cowboys fan, I do not want the team to steal Ray Lewis from the Ravens. If the NFL becomes the MLB, the league will suffer. Lewis needs to retire with a Baltimore Ravens jersey on his back.

will ray lewis.become to be acowboys

I am so sick and tired of professional athletes in general. A lot of them seem to have no loyalty to their teams nor their fans. This whole situation with Ray Lewis has really torn away at my heart and soul. Don't get me wrong, Ray is a great player. He is not the same player he used to be, but he is an MVP on the field with the Ravens. He won't be the same on any other team in this league. Our fans made Ray an icon, and he owes that to us, the Baltimore fans. We stood bye him, we believed in him and trusted him during his legal troubles. We put faith in him when the rest of the country wanted him to fry. But now, Ray says he needs to be paid. Well......so do I. That is why I put my PSL's up for sale the day I heard that he loves T.O. and would enjoy playing with him. Goodbye Ray, and good riddens.

Giving RL a contract at this late stage of his career could be the Ravens downfall for many years to come. It makes absolutely "ZERO" business sense.
Let him sign with Dallas, establish the "Tampering" charge and get the two 1st round picks that come as the penalty for Dallas's transgression.

Before I say what I'm going to say, I want to be clear that this is not because I'm spiteful that Ray wants another big contract and is hinting about liking his chances in Dallas. LET HIM GO! Why you ask? Because you don't give even the best players ever at their position a huge contract when they are entering their FOURTEENTH seasons.

T.O. and Ray. I don't think so. I agree with Chris above me, he can't take Ngata with him. Like I said before; all this Lewis ramble is to satisfy the players union by making it look like Lewis tried to get the top market price. He's not going anywhere. He's a Raven and he is proud of it. He knows they no one else will love him as Baltimore does.

Woody, does that include yourself ?

Let's be realistic about this. It's not like Baltimore refuses to sign Lewis. I'm sure Ozzie has held previous discussions about this contract situation. Ray is looking for his final payday and he's motivated purely by money. So..., if it's really just a money game, then leave a fair market value deal on the table and let Ray be the one who chooses to walk away. This routine of the player acting like a victim because the Millions weren't enough is retarded.

First off, if such an important person to baltimore like ray lewis even thinks about another team like the cowboys or the jets then he must not love this city as much as we love him so then baltimore needs to let ray do ray and either cut ties or give a contract. There is no reason a player like T-Sizzle should be tagged again! That man has played like a pro this year so HE is the one baltimore needs to give a contract to and ASAP! I saw him in an interview and the way he portrayed himself in that was great because he said we got first dibs and he has said that he is hopeful to stay here and that right there is our player!!!! hands down!!!! I also feel that Bart Scott deserves a contract as well because if we lose him and Terrell Suggs then its gonna be a bad off-season for Baltimore's fans. So STEVE GIVE SUGGS and SCOTT THEIR RESPECTIVE CONTRACTS PLEASE!!!!!! As for Ray Lewis I would love to see him stay but I dont wanna lose suggs and scott in order to do that because those players are our team's future and if anyone is to get the franchise tag its Ray Lewis. It hurts to say that but hey like players say...its all business.

The more you look at it, the more he's looking like a sellout. You know, I'm sorry Ray, but my respect for you is almost gone. I once thought of Ray Lewis as the greatest player to ever play the game. That was when I was younger. Now, I see the money side of things, and I was wrong. Sure, it's true, money makes the world go 'round, but I thought Ray had more loyalty to Baltimore than that. Go to the Cowboys, see how many fans you lose. Then you'll be sorry. If a Superbowl win is what you're looking for, you've got all you need right here. If it's the money you're looking for, then I hope you get the big contract you've always wanted.

Ravens 08= AFC Title Game Dallas/Romo = 08 no playoffs or wins in dec. last 2 years...

who is closer to winning a championship...this insane.

flacco is the futer so keep the off. line in tack

Man,sure sounds like they're a few worried Raven fans in here about Ray Lewis going to Dallas. And the idea of the Cowboys being in cap trouble is a complete joke. Dallas is in great cap shape and if they wanted to sign Lewis when free agency starts,then they can and probably will.

The Cowboys need a leader in the locker room. It's not Romo,Witten,Roy Williams,DeMarcus Ware and it's not T.O. Ray Lewis would bring INSTANT credibility and respect to the Cowboys
And guess what? it aint tampering if the OWNER or somebody in the FRONT OFFICE isn't doing it. Make no doubt about it: Jerry Jones will do ANYTHING to win and SPEND WHATEVER it costs. Say what you want about him but he cares about winning more than anyone in the NFL

The Ravens can't bring back all 3 LB's (Lewis,Scott and Suggs) sombody is going to be allowed to walk to make room for the other 2 guys to stay. Ray Lewis wants 1 more big payday before he calls it quits and he sees the writing on the wall in Baltimore. Dallas has more firepower on the offensive side of the ball and a savage defense that he's the missing cog. Zach Thomas and Kevin Burnett probably won't return to Dallas so it would create a instant need at MLB and Ray loves the 3-4 defense.

Don't be surprised if Lewis comes to the Cowboys.
I won't be

DCMIKE2K:
My question is: Why do you think Jerry Jones is a leader? Oh wait, you answered it already. All's he's worried about is being the best in the league. And no, Ray Lewis wouldn't bring INSTANT leadership to the locker room. And I don't believe all this rant that Dallas has enough Cap Room for that kind of money. With all the overpaid and totally overated stars down there, I can't even BEGIN to imagine they can pay what Ray Lewis wants.

No doubt, he'll be back here next season.

There were articles about paying Ray Lewis tons of money versus him giving Baltimore a home team discount.

He should consider that both the Ravens and the city of Baltimore supported him when he had legal troubles in Georgia. The team has listened to him and try to get players, i.e Ngata that have allowed Ray Lewis to flourish. He should consider these before considering to leave the Ravens or to hold the team ransom for a contract that will prevent the team from retaining players like Scott and Suggs that only compliment his play.

How can Ray respect T.O.'s attitude on the field? I can't see why he would want to leave Baltimore this late in his career. Finish here, don't go out like Brett did, that would be a shame. Also, found this shirt in my googling of the subject, pretty funny:

http://www.jumbolump.org

The Cowboys spent over $151M last year in salaries and bonuses to the players -- the highest in the league. The cap was around $115M. The balance of that will appear on the books some day unless the Collective Bargaining Agreement never gets renewed. The Cowboys are headed down the same path as the 49ers some years back, and SF is trying to recover in a lame duck division.

And that is with or without Ray Lewis.

I'd like Ray to be back. I have outlined what my ceiling would be years- and money-wise. If someone wants to gamble higher than that and that is all that is important to Lewis, so be it.

As for being worried -- methinks most people around here want Ray to be a one-team-only player but also realize the Ravens without Ray will make out much better than Ray without the Ravens at this crossroads for both.

It's just too bad he didn't use a measure of class with his leverage-making.

Excellent points on this board! Ray can't be replaced, but we do have a really nice crop of linebackers behind him. Suggs must be the priority not only in his signing, but finding a complement to him on the other side of the defense. We need more pressure on the QB outside of our buffet of blitzes. Mr. Newsome needs to get us a pass rushing DE and a DB to solidify the defense.

On a side note...I find it sad that Ray invokes the name of God so often while striving for such an avaricious lifestyle. If he wants a huge pay day, then let it be so. But let's keep God's name out of this, because scripture frowns upon your actions, Mr. Lewis.

it's amazing that the whole free speech thing is a one way street on this site. I criticize you for really having no facts to back your remarks about him going to the cowboys. then all of a sudden by the grace of God someone in Dallas says there's talk and you point your finger and say look see I was right. great reporting keep up the great work you're one step away from being a weatherman. with your predictions and all.

If Ray wants out then I say get the hell out of town we don't need this crap. Sure he was great for a few years but hes not the player he was.
Look at other teams they win without Ray its not the end of the world if he leaves. We have some great linebackers on this team that could step right in and maybe even make us better than tying up a bunch of money on an old player. Just my opinion

If Ray wants to leave, let him leave... has he been great for the Ravens, absolutely. But listening to him try to manipulate the team and the city is absurd. The Ravens and the city of Baltimore stood by him during his little trial in Atlanta, just like they stood by that other malcontent Lewis (Jamal) during his problems. If Ray is truly interested in "winning" and "team" than he should understand that, while he is an invaluable member of the Ravens, he is not priceless... especially when you need to field 10 other guys on defense (not to mention offense and special teams). So don't tell me about not taking less money because you don't play less... my recollection is of you "shutting it down" several times over the last few seasons due to less-than-serious injuries because the team was out of post-season contention. My guess, Ray, is that you were still getting paid once you were able to play, but chose not to. Oh, and since you're no longer the dominant player you once were (I noticed on too many occassions that you either were a step too slow to catch an opposing player or having people simply run through your tackles), best of luck getting that huge payday you're seeking.

I would LOVE to see Ray playing in Dallas. That is just what Big D needs, one more ring for the 3 ring Circus that is going on in Dallas. Anyone who wants to play in Dallas is only looking for Big Money from J.J.. The Cowboys have not won a playoff game in like 14 years. Good Luck Ray in Big D. Ray will be leaving someday any way, let's just move forward with life after Ray. He is a great player and there will be more great player's to follow.

Ray has been the bite to the Ravens defense for years. He is our tough as nails identity personnified. Heck, he created it. However, the time has come where we have many tough guys, such as Suggs Ngata Scott Johnson Neal Grubbs Bannan both McClains Landry Zbo Barnes Yanda Brown etc. The team is filled withsmash mouth Ravens football types. And now the coach exudes that from every pore. His physical skills have diminshed. adding bulk but trading power and durability for speed and agility. He still hits hard and his intimidation factor is multiplied by our D backing him up. We have leaders all over and a no bs coach. We have Gooden Barnes Jones Burgess Johnson And my personal fav McClain. plus we keep at least one of our FA backers. Rays only true value is sentimental and we have too many good players needing paydays. Oh and let Leonard go to the Jets. Rex wanted him and thats his guy so give him a goodbye gift and let him have Jimmy. Zbo is gonna be a terror anyways. And just for s&g i would trade Suggs for Boldin but no giving away draft picks until Malcolm Jenkins and Vontae Davis are off the board.

I say just let Ray go and take his tired act with him...

I never thought I would say this, but, I think it's time for Ray to go. In the end, he has proven to be a SELFISH individual who has turned his back on the only city that supported him through the tough times.

Biscotti, Ozzie, Harbaugh, and the rest of the organization have the ship sailing straight and in the right direction. Let's move forward with the rest of the guys that have bought into the team concept; let's take the savings and get some new talent; and let's show off those young linebackers we have on the bench.

TEAM FIRST. Bye-bye Ray-ray. You deserve Dallas and Dallas deserves you. You should have taken a page out of the books of Brooks & Cal. Icons in this city forever. Don't think I'll ever eat at Ray's again. Better move it to Dallas if you want patrons to continue to eat your grub...

All of you people are crazy! In these tough times, not one of you people would willing take a cut in pay or less money for the same or more work - and this is life, to hell w/ football. It's a business, we'll see if when Ray Lewis is old and can't play football anymore or God forbids gets hurt, will the Ravens be willing to still give him some money or some hometown charity,

I think the burden for Ray Lewis to remain in Baltimore is on . . . Ray Lewis. Offer him a fair deal but the Ravens can't back the truck up for him. There are too many other needs and, frankly, other players already on this roster who can step in and take his spot. We love Ray and sure would like for himn to remnain here. But, business is business and if he tries to hold up the Ravens then the message back to him should be loud and clear -- How 'bout them Cowboys!!!

Try looking at it from Ray's point of view.

Loyalty - Already threw Billick, his most impassioned public defender after Atlanta, very publicly to the lions.

Team first- Have often rehabilitated injuries by himself in Florida W/O keeping the team very informed. Often disrupted the Ravens when unhappy.

Playing ability- Had best year in some time under circumstances, new boss new regime, best known as a "contract drive year".

Already Rich- Any of you bloggers think you ever have enough money?

Baltimore made me an icon - Maybe his playing ability had something to do with that. Did you make Mike Flynn an icon?

Ray has been planning this for some time and, unless the Ravens make an offer he can't refuse, why would he give up his last shot at free agency?

OK Ok OK enough about this Ray thing. I just hope the Ravens make him a fair offer and if he accepts ok and if he does not, see ya. We do not owe Ray anything, he has been well paid. So Ray, its been great but if you have to go have a nice life

From 1999 through 2002, Ray Lewis was the best linebacker of all time up to that point. He had more impact than any other defensive person that I have seen (that goes back to the mid 50's). The true reality is that Ray has missed a lot of games from 2003 through the 2007 season. Frankly, 2008 was a good season but not a great season. Ray does not get to the sidelines as quick and was overpowered more than once this past year.
We have an abundance of young lb's. I think the money is better spent on an OT, a WR, and a shut-down corner and keep the Center, and at least one of the other LB's.
And please - Heap has lost his nerve, and Chris Mac, Samarre Rolle need to go.

I like Ray a lot, but he is getting too old as a football player to sign to huge lucrative deal. I think the best option for the Ravens would be to place the franchise tag on Lewis keeping him for 1 more year then letting him go. By that time Ray will be 34 & most likely will not have many takers that will pay him the amount of money he is seeking. Perhaps Ray will wake up and can work out a deal with the Ravens. The Ravens need to put Ray on the back burner and focus on signing Suggs, Scott, and Leonard.

Bob,

I would disagree with you that Heap has lost his nerve. Did you watch him in the AFC Championship?

The reason his receptions are down are because he was hurt and did not have the time to build up an understanding with Flacco. Then by the time he got back into it, Cameron obviously had simplified the passing game for Flacco. Cameron mainly isolated Mason, the Ravens' best receiver, on the outside for Flacco to throw to. His succcess with Mason gave Flacco a huge confidence boost.

You could see Cameron was trying to keep Flacco from throwing too many medium range passes across the clogged middle, where lots of interceptions happen. After all, Flacco is still pretty new at this.

If Heap is still here next year and healthy, I'll bet his numbers are a lot better.

As much as Ray means to the team, I have an old school philosophy that says, "If you don't want to be on our team, don't let the doorknob hit ya' where the Good Lord split ya'. I hope he stays, but if he doesn't want to stay I say let's move on.

My point is not exactly about Ray. The one point that I would like to make is that people keep talking about loyalty. Loyalty to the fans and the city that you play in I can understand. However, loyalty to the franchise is a bit naive. I think people seem to forget that the entire contract is NOT guaranteed and if the franchise feels like it they can change direction. Now as a Player you are suppose to forget that and hold fast?! Especially when you're and aging player?!

It is your right, no you duty as a Player to look out for your well-being and your money. Because if you don't the franchise certainly will not.

This is not the old days of no free agency, which brought parity to the game. It makes it anyone's chance to win the Super Bowl, keeps every season interesting. Players have to look out for their careers and their money as a business. We shouldn't feel bad for the franchise or the owners, they WILL make there money. While as a fan we miss our stars as the move to another team we can't KNOW what it's like to be them.

So think about that before passing judgment.

I would love to see Ray retire a Raven but as one of the other posters mentioned. I would rather have a team full of guys that want to play here.

RAY LEWIS - TRU RAVEN 4 LIFE. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHERE HE IS NEXT YEAR - HE'LL ALWAYS BE A RAVEN. I HAVE TO TYPE IN ALL CAPS TO GIVE THE MAN THE RESPECT HE DESERVES. HE IS A TRUE WARRIOR.

first and foremost king RAVEN Ray Lewis is the best Linebacker in the NFL still and hes worth lots of money as u no i would pay him but if its going 2 hurt the ravens chance 2 make and win a super bowl next year by resinging him then we should let him go we have a good team thats not far wit lots of free agents we cant just worry about one player i love Ray but theres never been no i in team we are close 2 are second super bowl if Ray wants one ring 2 match the other then its up 2 him if not then ill be happy 2 see ED reed get his first next season !!!

Ray as said it has been a dream to play in Dallas but as many people of said, i believe its just hype. Besides Ray will not have near the same impact in Dallas as Baltimore. Especially when you have a linebacker like Ware. I think and he should finish his career in Baltimore and end his legacy there instead of spoiling the ending like Favre did at the jets.

Stop glorifying Ray-find out why he really want to leave-Maybe they should give him to the Cleveland Browns.