No one man is that important to the team. I am a Lewis fan but after those comments he made at the Pro Bowl I say move on. He will always be remember as a Raven, the same as when Joe Montana left and Emmit Smith. They will always be remember as a 49er and Dallas. Bart Scott is ready to step in.

I love it and I hope you are correct. That is my guess too. We will sign Scott and move on....now if we could only sign Jimmy Leonard!!!

Agreed. Scott can easily play linebacker and if you listened to his interview yesterday on one of the local shows, he reminded us that he played middle linebacker a few years ago when Ray went down and he had a fabulous season. I think this is the Ravens way of putting the pressure right back on Ray. Way to go Bisciotti

As much as I have enjoyed everything about Ray Lewis' passion for the game, intensity and leadership I believe that in light of recent developments it might be time to cut the cord. If Ray is not giving home town discounts, then we need to make him a fair market offer for a 33 year old middle linebacker. Linebacker might be the deepest position on the team and while his presence will be missed, I'm certain that all of the guys who played with Ray will take the lessons learned from him and move on. I'm not sure why I'm shocked, but his off season display has been shameful and not what I have come to expect from my all time favorite Raven.

I heard on a Baltimore radio station this morning that Ray lewis already has a done deal with Dallas for 3 years and 30 million dollars plus an undisclosed amount for a signing bonus. And yes it does fit under their cap. It is 10 million a year so it is under their cap for this year.

Ray has been great for the Ravens and he also has been rewarded handsomely. If he want to play for the cowgirls, then let him go.

I say let him go if he wants to go we could use the money to put more weapons around flacco and we have good linebackers waitning in the wings we have been very good to ray and he claims he loves our city and our team than I think he should show it

All Ray had to do at any point was at least acknowledge that he would like to finish his career here. Just drop it in the beginning of at least one interview..."If all things were equal, I'd love to finish my career in Baltimore...but you know this is a business and we have to be sure the numbers work". And then he could talk about the Jets and Cowboys all he wants and nobody would have blinked an eye. We aren't dumb...we know this is about money first, but completely ignoring the team and fans who have helped him get to where he is is just a joke IMHO

AMEN to Bisciotti! This is an owner who you know takes pride in his team. Seeing that Ray has made it public that he has no loyalty to the city and team that has made him a superstar, then you have to move on.
Ray is about the limelight and Charm City isn't big enough for his ego.
The Ravens should only sign big deals for players who show PRIDE in their team.

It's all about money.

As long as Pitt,Cleveland or Cincy don't land the Great One I can live without #52 if the money makes him happier.Banks are in trouble these days and the Raven's bank is hanging in there.Don't be a fool and throw a kitchen sink at a 13 yr. veteran.

next is jimmy leonhard. don't worry about brown we have good backup in chester and yanda will be back.

There is no way the Cowboys are going to take the rest of their cap room to sign Ray. Demarcus Ware is too important to them. I believe Bart is finally realizing that he, like Stilwell and Sharper, is a system guy, and won't do as well elewhere. So he doesn't want to get mediocre money in FA and then have to find himself in a bad bargaining position.

Lady Gaga,

Thats not possible for the Cowboys and Ray Lewis to have an agreement in place. It would be tampering and the Cowboys would have to forfeit draft picks.

I would love for Ray to end his career here in Baltimore but money talks. I can't knock him for trying to get a big payday before he retires. Plus the Ravens have some quality linebackers that can replace him. I think his leadership will be missed but this gives other veteran players the opportunity to step up. I also feel the same way about Jim Leonhard. I think he can go to another organization and become a starter and get starter money. He deserves it and we have two quality safeties that we drafted last year if Dawan Landry is not ready to go. The Ravens need to focus on depth at cornerback, a big play wide receiver and a young tight end. It will be interesting to see what direction Ozzie goes in the draft.

Be careful for what you wish for Ray. There is no doubt that you are a great player; but you have also been afforded a great scheme to play under that happens to be designed around you. You may find that you are not as great in Dallas, but just one of the BOYZ. Call AD Thomas, Kim Herring, Tony Weaver, Sam Adams and see if the grass was greener when they left. There is no doubt we will miss you if you decide to leave. But you are blowing a great opportunity for being loved and remembered as one of the greatest by turning your back on the home team. Remember to dance with the girl who brung ya....p.s. it wasn't the Cowgirls.

The most important FA for the Ravens is Jason Brown, no question in my mind. Ozzie has done a good job rebuilding that line and making it a young powerhouse, but losing Brown erases a ton of that progress.

No one knows how Yanda will be coming back from surgery and Chester is a huge dropoff in talent from Brown.

Jimmy Leonhard is easily replaced by Landry, LB's seem to be a dime a dozen with the Ravens... but there is no replacement for having one of the best C's in the league. Losing Brown and having to start Flacco out with creating chemistry with a new C would be a disaster.

So you're now publicly admiting that Lewis failed to support Billick? I wonder if Billick regrets supporting him during his double murder trial?

The impression before the end of the season, was that Suggs wanted to stay regardless. Ray was gonna finish his career here. Scott was the one that felt he wasnt going to get his money, so he was leaving.

Now Scott is ready to stay and play, Suggs will get his deal.... and Ray is the one that wants to leave. He isn't leaving like Montana did, the 49ers had to go with Steve Young, he had just won the MVP. Ray is leaving on his own, and shunning the Ravens and their fans, at the same time.

"Nobody's business" what he is going to do? Letting all the rumors swirl about him 'dying" to be a Cowboy and not even refuting it. If he doesnt want to play here, thats his decision, and good riddance. Take your restaurant with you!

REEED the defense is now officially yours.

It is probably for the best. I can imagine all the stuff that will go down in Dallas this year with Ray in their locker room. It probably is going to get ugly. The Cowboys have a lot of bad apples and they aren't going to listen to Ray one bit. Hopefully, they don't cut TO because I want to see Ray and To go at it.

People like to make Ray out to be some kind of great influence but he really isn't. He cause problems for Billick. He went to a college game to watch a relative play instead of appearing in Ravens games.

He is defintitely one of the best players in league history but he is all about himself. The team stuck by him when he killed that guy. But he doesn't stick by the team.

"I heard on a Baltimore radio station this morning that Ray lewis already has a done deal with Dallas for 3 years and 30 million dollars plus an undisclosed amount for a signing bonus. And yes it does fit under their cap. It is 10 million a year so it is under their cap for this year."

There is only one station that would speculate on something like that, and they have it posted on their site that the Ravens want Lewis back... must be a cowboys fan trying to start rumors... nice try

Scott is ready to play MLB and wee need to sign Suggs and Brown to long term deals. Ray was a great Raven

I wonder how many of these football mavens wiuld not leave their present job for more money.I hope that Lewis,Scott,Brown,Suggs,and Leonard can be satisfied and stay with the Ravens.

I love the Ravens and I love Ray. He is the true corner stone of Baltimore Ravens Culture. He belongs in the Ravens Ring of Honor, and we should retire #52 forever. Anyone who thinks Ray owes us anything more, is a MORON.

That being said. I think its best for all parties involved, that he moves along to Dallas. He has a greater purpose there, restoring respect to the star, as opposed to protecting the house that he already built.

And the organization has greater needs to fulfill than LB. Its time to usher in the 2nd era of Ravens Football: The Lights Out Offense Era. Its time to sow new seeds.

Thanks Ray.

Sincerely,
A True Baltimore Sports Fan

Yes, let's keep Scott and Suggs. Ray can go be a cowgirl. Bart Scott is hilarious and every time I see him on TV I'm very proud he's a Raven.

How many endorsements would Ray Lewis get in Dallas? Zero - they think he's a stabber.

Ring of Honor? Not in Dallas. And it would be tainted in Baltimore.

Dumbest move that Lewis could make at this stage of his career would be to quit on the Baltimore team and fans who supported him in his time of troubles. He'd get lost in Dallas, and forgotten in Baltimore. Another Mike Mussina.

That would be a superb business decision. Keep Suggs and Scott, the best long term benefits to the team. Leave enough room to maybe keep some talent like Leonhard, or find some really good WR talent. Ray has been the face of the Ravens, and it appears that he is all about the $$$. Let him live the dream of Dallas.... I'm, sure he and T.O. will have great fun with that dream. T.O. will bring the popcorn while they are watching the playoffs on tv next fall instead of being in them...

SEE YAH RAY! Don't let the door hit you in the @$$!

Scott and Brown.... Excellent!!

Bye Ray!!!!

Good-Bye, Ray-Ray ... Hello, Jason Brown

Lewis has been my favorite Raven for years, but I have to agree with the masses on this one. If he doesn't want to be in Baltimore, move on. If it's all about the money, move on. The team has been very loyal to him; it's his turn to be loyal in return or MOVE ON.

Now this is rich! Bigshotti has no one but himself for the monster Ray has turned into...he created it! What an a hole bischotti is...or is it Bisnyder.

thank God for Ozzie Newsome and a great owner. there is no better news we could get than keeping Suggs and Bart Scott.
Ray Lewis is a Raven, but he's been a Raven because the Ravens supported him when he needed it most. if he wants to play the game and leave, ruin his legacy and all the endorsement money he can make after his career, go ahead. the only thing that will make him less of a pariah in Baltimore than that traitor pitcher (I still can't say or type his name) is that he's not signing with the Yankees. in the end, if he knows what's good for him and he does follow God, he'll sign for less and show the loyalty he should. Either way, we are gearing up to get back to the upper echelon of the NFL.

Jorge... uhh.. you cant be serious. "Bigshotti" as a rule, doesnt even talk to the media, during the season.. he is the anti Jerry Jones/Daniel Snyder. He lets Ozzie and his personnel, do their jobs. Your way off, with your comparison.

I'm with you guys. I understand the money part. The comments I just don't get. I just don't." Baltimore is my city." It's between me and God" What? God is great but he doesn't own or manage the Ravens and he doesn't work for THE Baltimore Gas and Electric making $55,000 a year and rooting his butt of for you every Sunday in those seats! Those are your fans Ray!. I'd love to play for Dallas? What? Be honest shoot straight with the folks who support you. I understand it's about the money. Then say if we can get the $ worked out I want to be in Baltimore-if not I love ya but gotta move on. That I could deal with and understand. Not this stuff Ray. It just seems selfish and silly the way the man has been talking lately. Good luck to him and good luck to my team - THE RAVENS!!!!

I agree with the sentiments communicated in this post as regards Lewis' actions and remarks at the Pro Bowl.

Little surprised at all the boots in Ray's backside here. I guess everybody remembers all the times the last few years Ray was hurt and guys like Ed Hartwell (he was once a football player) had to step up. The last time Ray was hurt, he went to Florida and, apparently, wasn't missed all that much in the locker room because the defense was still way above average. I love Ray as much as the next guy, but the Ravens are a great team because they have a great organization, not because they have one great player. If Ray wants a star on his helmet, let him go join the circus.

I'd hate for Ray to leave, but if he does it will be for ego, not simply the money. Sadly, he'll forget the loyalty shown to him through the years by Ravens management and fans, both in his legal troubles and the fact that he was always put first by management, whether they were renegotiating his contract to his benefit or firing Billick, partly because Ray didn't support him.

Lewis's philosophy seems to be 'what have they done for me lately?', and his comments thiis past month about Dallas aren't endearing him to many fans. If it's his time to go, I'll wish him well but won't look back.

It may indeed make a great deal of sense to target the younger, faster Scott and say goodbye to Lewis. However, I am confused by the references to Scott "replacing" Lewis at MLB. Since the Ravens play a 3-4, weren't both Lewis and Scott playing MLB the last few years? (Suggs and Johnson were the OLBs last season). What am I'm missing here? Are the Ravens thinking of switching to a 4-3?

Ray needs to eat a little bit of what he dishes out, What was it that he said to Adalius after he left for more money...

How quickly you pathetic "fans" turn on Ray. The man that brought the Ravens a Super Bowl. The man that put Baltimore football back on the map. The man that led this banged up mediocre defense to an incredible year last year. I would take Ray over Bart Scott any day of the week, and twice on Sundays. Ray loves Baltimore and there is nothing wrong with him, trying to get some money by using other teams. That's the nature of the beast. BRING BACK RAY!!!!!! SUPER BOWL 44 will be for the Ravens to claim with #52 leading the way.

I understand if Ray needs to go. And of any team to go to Dallas would be the best since the Ravens won't play them again until Ray is retired. That is the best scenario. I think Ray knows that too. It won't be as painful to watch him with another team. As far as leadership, There are still plenty of vets left that could lead the locker room. The best scenario would be for Ray to come back as a coach ater his Hollywood stint which is what I am sure he is planning. Bart Scott has the same leadership skills and I think shoots closerr to the hip than Ray anyway. Don't forget that Bart Scott took less money to stay with the Ravens than with the Browns a few years ago. Scott remembers who took care of him first.

In other cities, the Ravens have never yet been embraced because in the early years we reveared the thug-like during the Atlanta situation. He beat the thug rap and our embraced young player named Ray got us wins. We are happy again right, and have a past stigma that may be 'let go' by other cities, if we let him go quietly. Don't give him so much razmataz, just let the raven-man spread his wings; we will soar without him!

No man's bigger than the team? Whatta load!! This Ravens "D" was built around one man, Ray Lewis, and this team continues to function at an elevated level because of one man, Ray Lewis. To say otherwise is naive. Bart Scott as the new MLB? Not a shot. Scott, like Hartwell before him, owes his entire career to the play of the guy next to him, Ray Lewis. To say otherwise is asinine.

Ray Lewis wants the star on his helmet. he wants more publicity and mega market. Once upon a time, ray lewis was baltimore and baltimore was ray. that is no longer possible. i used to love ray because he loved us and the game. now he's talking about going somewhere else which is like saying your going to change your given name, or switch your family. Ray, we chose you and you became ray lewis because of baltimore too. he has disrespected the class baltimore franchise and succumbed to backwards and systemless yankee charade that is dallas. he will be alone there, an individual with no foundation. go ahead and leave, but don't try to make it 'honorable'. you have disrespected the very people who have loved and respected you the most, looked forward to that dance the most. it hasn't been just you, ray. it's been baltimore. we won't come with you to dallas man, so your on your own. peace.

For some reason I cannot believe that a player as arrogant as TO (who completely screwed over Baltimore) would listen with hope in his heart as Ray screams follow me! follow me!
Start the countdown for TO to punch Ray in the face on the sideline.

Ray has been a great Raven but he has become bigger than the team. I believe the same thing happened with Ripken and the Orioles a few years back. Its time to let Ray move on. His success has been largely supported by the fact he was surrounded by great talent here in Baltimore and will be an average linebacker at best for either the Jets or Cowboys.

52 is one of my favorite player...ever... but i'm very disapointed by the way he handle this offseason: too much talking, not much loyalty to his team...
regarding bart scott, he's durable, much younger than lewis,now move quicker and hit harder, and most of all, once he accepts to stay in Baltimore instead of playing for the browns with a better salary!!! i will never forget that, this guy is a true ravens, he bleed purple more than anybody! business is not everything, heart is everything!

Having Ray Lewis for as long as we did is a blessing,but it's time to move on. Bart Scott can easily replace him and we have Nick Greisen waiting on the sidelines to put in Scott's old position. A few years ago when rat was injured,thats exactly what they did and it worked perfectly.I'd love to keep Leaors,but Zbikowski and Hakamura are also ready to step in.

Leonard is going to sign with the jets. Thats Rex Ryans little buddy. He wanted him out of college, convinced Ozzie to sign him as FA, and petitioned for him to remain with the team when Harbaugh was gonna cut him during training camp. Leonard is going to give Rex the love back. Plus they need a speed cover guy to compliment Kerry Rhodes and we have some good young safetys so he doesnt even have a starting job gaurenteed here. LET HIM WALK! The biggest flaw to Leonards game is size. Having a receiver scared or at least thinking about a big hit coming from a defensive back greatly changes how a player plays a defense. Thats why i say give the job back to Landry (dont act like Leonard didnt get burnt a couple times too) and then let Zbo or Nakamura try to take the job from him. I think Zbo is our guy. He hits very hard and showed a knack for making a play. Really good blitzer too. So bye bye Jimmy. Have fun with Rex. I say let Ray Lewis leave. His value as a leader and mentor off the field is his best attribute at this point of his career. He is still one of the greatest at reading plays at the line of scrimmage and we will certainly miss that. But i feel very comfortable with our linebacker situation. And if Scott returns I think Suggs Scott Johnson and a combo of McClain Barnes Gooden Burgess and Jones will produce two more future pro bowlers in Gooden and McClain. Suggs and Scott will keep all the younger guys in check, and the mostly seem very hungry anyways so I doubt we will see a drop in intensity from this Defense. Harbaugh has the whole team feeling grimey so I think we wont stop being that same ferocious knock your teeth out D we always play. I say let Kelly Gregg go too. Im pretty sure after the previous seasons contract extension that hes in the 4-5 million range. Hes also over 31 and coming off a serious injury. Ngata Pryce Bannan Edwards and Mckinney will do just fine. This should be Pryces last season. Hes old expensive and although still our best interior pass rusher, he is not nearly effective as he was. As far as Brown- Chester is an excellent backup and decent starter but he is our depth. We need J Brown back. Show him the money. And Lorenzo Neal. that guy is AWESOME! im the juggernaut b.....

A shame Ray doesn't remember how Baltimore stayed with him after his mess in Atlanta. I think most players would have been ridden out of town (look at Michael Vick). His comments say a lot about the man (or is it boy?).

Stop talking about Jimmy Leonard he is expendable

As much as I've loved Ray Lewis as a Raven, I liked what Terrell Suggs had to say during Pro Bowl week about how Ray was like a big brother to him, but there comes a time when the little brother has to step out from the big brother's shadow.

Lewis has been the best on-field sports leader Baltimore's seen in at least in the last 35 years, but it may be time for the little brother to get a chance to lead. Whether that guy is Suggs or Reed or Scott or someone else, I think he'll be ready.

Thanks for the memories Ray, and good luck trying to be Ray Lewis somewhere other than here.

I think how this is going to go down is that we not only won't sign Ray but won't sign Brown either. In that scenario we could bring back a Jim Leonard. Additionally we'd have some omney to perhaps go after a FA corner or WR or OL.

Makes sense to me.

At this point, Ray has burned his bridges and the Ravens need to let him go. We don't don't need another overpaid, selfish player on this team. Just let him go and move on. He's been overrated for the last 2 or 3 years anyway.

Yes it's great players that have made our D what it is.But the scheme largely made the players better than what they would be elsewhere. If Ray needs the most money he can get.......move on. It's a bussiness. Nothing lasts for ever except the team.

Unreal the way the fans have turned on Lewis. We're gonna miss him, after all....he was the Steelers MVP everytime we played them!

I am sorry Biscotti is disappointed, I am disappointed ticket prices keep going up. Get used to it.

Ray needs a lot of Public Relations help. There is no need for him to go public with some of the stuff he has said. Also, there is no way he is going to Dallas, they have less money available than the Ravens. He may end up with Detroit or the Rams or something but not Dallas or the Jets. The finances just are not there for what Ray wants.

Ray Lewis was great a football player but as a person he is an idiot - recall a couple of years ago when he went postal on the organization during contract negotiations - how many times have you seen him look up at the jumbotron at himself and then make a fierce face with his tongue out - his references to god are unintelligible - in the last couple of years prior to this contract year, his career was on the slide and he spent most of his time on the DL. Give him a big contract and he will resume this slide. Ravens would be smart to go through the motions and then let some fool through alot of money at him.

Remember folks there's no I in TEAM but an M and E and that spells ME....All about ME, where's my money RAY! Ray gives advise an mentors players maybe Ray should let Tom Brady mentor him on the concept of winning as a team. Brady went to ownership and re-worked his contract to get Randy Moss in a Patriots uniform and they were 2 plays from winning the Superbowl and an undefeated season. GO RAVENS! Let him go and be mediocre in Dallas or Jets green. If nothing else, we can higher Kevin Millar to enter M&T stadium and do the RAY RAY dance before games.

It's time to start buying #55 and #57 Ravens jerseys!

Glad I don't own a #52; the value is plummeting.

While Ray is selling himself to 31 other teams, Ozzie has a team to run in the meantime.

Sign Scott, good move. Sign Suggs, even better move. (I know he's tagged but let's get it done before his price is too high and while the fear of injury is over his head.)

Sign Brown, that would be nice but that might be a reach. He will probably get bigger than center money. (Psst., Max Unger will probably be available at the 26th pick. Then, trade up for a high second round pick at CB or WR.)

Sign Leonard, seems unlikely as the Ravens have already committed to Landry and Zbitkowsky (sp?). I sure hope Landry is recovering.

And Ray? I'm sure he'll get what he deserves. After all, it's between him and God (notice the order?). By the way, Ray, that stuff about you not playing less so you won't take less ... did you rebate the team all those years you didn't play 16 games? You know, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2002. By my count, you played in 77% of the regular season games in the past seven years. Hmmm.

And Jorge, stay away from the bong. Ray has always been about the money. Remember his pouting act a few years back? Don't blame Bisciotti for Ray and his concept of his agent, The Almighty.

Dallas may be $10M under the cap, but they still need to make room for Demarcus Ware. Seems unlikely they have room for Ray.

I'm a true Baltimore Ravens fan and I've loved watching Ray Lewis and all the Raven's players for the past 13 years but one thing I don't like is when a person feels like they have become better than the team that gave them the start to be the player and person they are. I remember when Ray first got drafted by the Ravens. I remember when he was on trial for murder and the Baltimore Ravens and the City of Baltimore stood by his side through everything and welcomed him back onto the field when the charges were dropped. It's funny how people get so big headed because of the money and fame they receive. He know how much the City of Baltimore loves him but at the same time we would welcome him leaving. We don't want anyone here that don't want to be here. It seems like Ray would show a bit more respect to a team and city who has embrassed him for 13 years. That says alot about his character and the type of man he really is deep inside.

I am not mad at Ray. He is doing what he wants to do and more power to him.

But the Ravens should adopt the same idea. Scott, Suggs, Brown and better set of receivers is much better for the Ravens then keeping Ray.

If Ray Lewis wants to leave "My team" BALTIMORE, which had a rookie QB that nearly made it to Super Bowl 44 to join the circus in Dallas then go and be the ringleader maybe he can tame the lions.If not he can sing and dance his way to the bank by starting a reality show called, "America's Team Had Talent". The bank in which he makes his deposit won't be called LOYALTY SAVINGS & TRUST. What a nice headline next season, "Ravens Win 45" will Ray Ray say "My team Won"? HMB3 in Winchester

I thought Ray was a "team" player - his influence on the team, the way he psychs the team up before a game, fans in Baltimore love him but when he talks about leaving, it shows the money is more important than loyalty. If he had a love for the game and for Baltimore, he would have no intentions of going to Dalls.....he won't have the same control he has here....it's sad to see him go but if that's how he wants it, so be it....Bart Scott will be Baltimore's new man and will have the support that Ray used to have from Baltimore Ravens fans....see ya Ray, enjoy the money being alone. You'll see you made a mistake leaving us. Dallas isn't you....the Ravens are a team and you're supposed to be part of our team. There's no "I" in TEAM !

Ray Lewis is the the MAN and It won't be the same gameday experience without him! Like most fans I root for the ravens to win and overpaying Ray for his 13 years of service is not going to help the future.

He's entitled to do whatever he wants and with his star fading what better place to end his career than being part of a 3 ring circus.

I wish he cared enough to realize that this franchise and fans stood by him and allowed him to be who he was for all those years, but can't blame him for wanting one last big paycheck. We all got our money's worth watching Ray Ray for all those years!

Good luck wherever you end up, it's time to turn the keys of the team over to JOLTIN JOE FLACCO!!

I too feel it is time to part ways with Ray Lewis. I think he will be remembered as on of the best to play the position. Ball hawk with hard hitting in your face football. I think he is self proclaimed as the leader and pregame when the cameras are on and he is screaming to the guys half of them seem to roll their eyes waiting for him to finish. He is being too selfish and putting the team at risk to get his payday. The system makes these guys better. Let him walk.

There is no "I" in team but Ray has proven that there is "ME" in the word team. Best of luck to you 52.

I think that we need to resign Scott and let Reed handle the leadership role and let Ray go else where. Scott is young faster and I think that he would be a good long term fit for the Ravens. Plus there are alot of good linebacker in the draft and Ozzie might not have had good luck with Quaterbacks, and offensive players he has done a graet job drafting linebacker and defensive players. So I would tell Ray if you want to finish your career in Baltimore take a pay cut or go else wher because we have talent in place. and we need the cap room for Brown and Leonhard.

The Cowboys? Really? I guess that says alot about who Ray really is.

I am kinda tired of Ray's squirrel dance anyway.

If he ends up staying, they should disallow that as part of the new contract.

Love ya Ray. Good luck!

"I wonder how many of these football mavens wiuld not leave their present job for more money.I hope that Lewis,Scott,Brown,Suggs,and Leonard can be satisfied and stay with the Ravens."

Unfortunately Ozzie Newsone already announced that the ravens are letting jimmy leonhard go, leonhard wants to stay but newesome doesn't wanna keep him, this is going to be a BIG mistake

Every era in pro football comes to an end, and if this is the way it has to be with Ray Lewis, well, so be it...........the future of the franchise is not Ray, it's the young talent, like Scott, like Suggs, and lest anyone forget, like Brown..........I hope that the money they would think about throwing at Ray would now go to Brown, no phase of a team needs consistency and continuity more than the O line........those guys took a step up last year, and holding onto Brown would not only keep that continuity going, and growing, but with Yanda coming back, the depth would be there as well, allowing the draft to focus on the areas of need, d-backs, wide receiver and tight end........keep your fingers crossed that Ozzie and Bischotti can keep the young guns all here...........

Many teams have won the Super Bowl since the advent of Ray Lewis, but Lewis has played on only one of those teams. The idea that you cannot have a champioship team sans Ray Lewis is a proven myth, pure and simple.

It's a good move to sign Scott, if Ray TRULY does want to play for the Cowboys than we need to keep Scott if he's not coming back. However, it is a good move but they need to retain Brown, Ravens already have a fair share of needs in the draft they don't need center to add on to them, plus it would be nice if Flacco could take snaps from the same guy as last year.

Way to go Biscotti for showing some teeth!, and not giving in to spoiled premadonnas.

Go with Scott! Then cut Landry and sign Leonard and start him at safety. He's too good to let go and shouldn't cost anymore than Landry did. Remember Leonard wore the defensive headset last year not Ray Lewis. Leonard is a gamer and Landry may be tentative after the scary neck injury! Leonard was too good and we need to stick with a good thing!

Biscotti and Lewis are out of line for discussing contrat matters in public. Ray is not worth as much as he thinks he is. He's not worth missing out on signing two other players.

Jason Brown = Best Player on Offense

Bart Scott = 2nd or 3rd Best Player on Defense

MUST RESIGN BOTH!!!!

This is why the great teams in this league, Pittsburgh and New England, cut aging stars or let them go. It reminds everyone that the coach is in charge and it keeps the team from paying today's money to yesterdays talent...

Jorge, I think you are way out of bounds on that one.

Biscotti, as an owner, has, and always will, back his players. That is part of an owner's perogative. It is Ozzie's job to be the businessman and hard@$$ for the owner. An owner has a right to put his heart and soul into a team. That said, Bisciotti does sometimes speak with his heart and goes against the business acumen of the management of the team. BUT IT IS STILL HIS RIGHT. He owns the team. And this team is a much better business than it was under the Modells. I am proud to have Bisciotti as owner. He is a top 10% owner, we could do much worse, Redskins do!

Ray Lewis was a good player. Defenses were designed for him to make tackles while others did the work. He has lost his foot speed, most of his tackles this year were catches( last man on the pile) and he was pancaked often. He was part of the problem last year in the locker room and sold out the coach who supported him during his character issues. Ray only cares about Ray, not Baltimore or the organization. Goodbye Ray

I am lost Baltimorean who now lives in the DFW area, and still a Ravens fan. I haven't lost my loyalty.

As a person Jerry Jones' character is suspect at best (and that is an understatement). With Jones you always have to remember its about perception and the factors that can change it. Aside from his narcissism, he is unquestionably a marketing genius and his business acumen is second to none. Ultimately he wants to win. Down here its "win baby win". If he feels that Lewis will help him win and fill seats in the new stadium (aka jerry’s world), then there is a good chance he will do it. If Jones thinks it will fill seats without any impact on winning, then there is still a possibility he would pull the trigger. If he thinks it will not help him win games, then Lewis can forget it.

My sense is that Lewis is an idiot and has worn out his welcome. If he thinks he has more value with other teams then he is crazy. Lewis is marketing himself, and right now I think he is doing a very poor job. I was watching the NFL network last night and the consensus was that he will not have the same impact or value with any other team than he will have with the Ravens. Either he is delusional about his ability to sway public opinion and its affect Bisciotti, or he is trying to out market Jerry Jones, in which case he is delusional. The bottom line is that his skill level has degraded to the point that maybe he should not even be a starter. I read here that Bart Scott should be playing in the middle.
If that is the case, then the issue has already been decided.

Personally, I hope Ray goes to the Cowgirls too. That way we will be rid of this kind of nonsense and it will be great for Sports Talk Radio. Ultimately it is all about winning, and finding the tools to do that. He has become a distracting tool whose value is not worth the inflated price he has in his mind. Anyway, if he goes, that will give us more room to sign a receiver and the Cowgirls will get another Zack Thomas.

In the final analysis, compare the successful organizations to the unsuccessful ones, meaning look at Pittsburg and New England vs. Detroit. Any Questions?

In closing, I would like to apologize for the long post and also say: Go Ray Go! Go Ray Go! Sing it with me, Go Ray Go! Go Ray Go!

Anybody who says it's all about money with Lewis is wrong - it's all about ego! He doesn't want more money because he needs it, he wants more money because he feels that he's still an elite player and deserves it. I also believe his comments about the Jets and Cowboys are also his massive ego talking. He's my all-time favorite Raven, but there's no denying his megalomania. Ray's in for a rude awakening on the free agent market when he finds that other teams don't share his opinions.

I was so disappointed when I heard about Ware's comments. Ray-Ray basically quit on his team. I mean seriously, if Ray did come back to the Ravens, how many players on the defense would still want to play hard for him as their leader? It's time for Ray to get the hell out of Baltimore and the defense to show Ray that they can be a No. 1 defense without him.

Go Ravens!

I think ray had a great career here in b more but he has made it clear he wants to go. I think its because he is not the only mega star on our team. My thoughts are let him go and it will prove that he was part of a great system that will do very well with out him!

all i have to say is good luck and god bless Ray.p.s.THANKS FOR EVERTHING,ALL THE BIG HITS,ALL THE DANCING,ALL THE FUN, JUST BE BLESS.LOVE YOU MAN.

I'm hopeful that Bart will be retained and remain a Raven, for years to come. He's just hitting his prime and has proven his worth on our Defense.
I'd also would be thankful, if we could somehow keep Jason Brown. He did a fine job, last Season....and it would keep continuity on Flacco's O-line. I can't fault the guy for wanting a bigger paycheck, since he is listed as a Center/Guard. He's played both positions, for us. Perhaps they could use the Suggs formula , from last year's Franchise Tag negotiations.
Leonard is just a damn good football player. You have to remember though, that we drafted 2 Safeties last year and Landry will be coming back. If the F.O. knows something about Landry's medical status, that none of us know about....maybe Leonard could be convinced to stay.
As for Ray? I'm kinda torn on this one. He is the face of the franchise and he does bring leadership and mentoring qualities. I still think he has a few good years left, but not at an unreasonable price. He does need to shed some of that extra weight from last year ,though. I think it slowed him down at year's end.
I don't fault him for wanting the money either.
Yet he's already put quite a bit in his pocket, and all of it came from this franchise. If he shows that it's all about "his" money and not about this franchise? Then , he can go play for a lousier team. This is why we drafted Gooden.
Having said that, it would be good to see him retire as a Raven and cement his claim to fame, as such.
It should prove to be an interesting , next couple of weeks.

Ray's comments mean Jack. He is trying to play the leverage game. The more teams perceived to want his services the more money he stands to make. I still think he will be a Raven but I am much more worried about losing Jason Brown.

Anyone who thinks the line wouldn't miss a beat by inserting Chester at center is fooling himself. Brown is an up and coming allstar caliber center. He was the rock that solidfied our young line last year and he is absolutely critical to its future success. Re-sign JB Ozzie!

P.S. I think he will.

What everyone has failed to mention is the fact that Bart Scott has benefitted from the Ravens defensive scheme and from Lewis in particular. Just look at past LBs - Edgerton Hartwell & Adelius Thomas - both excelled in the Ravens defense with Lewis and how are they faring now???

Don't get me wrong, I think Scott is a great athlete, but Ray Lewis is still the face of the franchise. He had his best year in the past 3-4 years last season because he stayed healthy. Obviously Ravens' fans would hate to see him leave, and his leadership alone makes other players better. But I have a feeling Ray has played his last down as a Baltimore Raven...

It's sad to see all these people in one sentence condemn Ray and in the next sentence promote CUTTING Dawan Landry, who literally put his neck on the line for this team. And you wonder why players don't care what the fans think.

I'm a Cowboys fan from Dallas. We seem to be split 50-50 on Lewis down here. I'm on the no thanks side. I don't think he is anywhere near the player he was 5 years ago. But he seems to want a contract like he is.

But I'm a bit suprised you guys are "shocked" and can't grasp he doesn't want to play for the Ravens. !. If Brett Favre and finish his career anywhere besides Green Bay its no suprise when ANYONE jumps ship. This is the way the NFL is now. 2. Why would he not want to play for Dallas insted of Baltimore? Can you imagine every game knowing if the other team scores 17 points you are probably going to lose. Not to mention you have to live in Baltimore!!!!!!

I took those last 2 shots because of all the "Cowgirls" references above. LOL It's nothing personal.

Know this...If we can somehow calm things down around here we have the talent to dominate the league. Not win....Dominate. Not sure if that will EVER happen but if it does we're going to need another hand for our SB rings.

Ya'll need to catch up. hee hee

I have loved Ray since his first season and have such a large collection of his years with us, BUT I understand what the Ravens must do and what is best for now and the future if we are to vamp this team up to get over that hump. For Ray I know it's a buisness for him as well as for our team and it's future. His name board and most of all earned "statue" will come Raven fans. Now we must move on.......

Boy you guys whine like it's 1972. Have you guys not noticed how rare it is for a good player to play his entire career with one team??? I'm a Dallas fan. Emmitt finished as a Cardinal for crying out loud!!!!!

We seem to be split 50-50 down here on Ray. It's funny how you guys act like him leaving for Dallas would be a step down.

You play defense and know that if you give up 17 points you are going to lose. That has to wear on you. Why wouldnt he leave for Dallas?? More money, more successful franchise, and a better shot at winning next year.

Yes, i just said that. Watch what happens when the hoopla clears from this previous season. Watch this team focus and DOMINATE the league. Anyone who knows anything about football can see we have the most talent in the league, by far. I understand chemistry is as much if not more important. Once we get that sorted we will need another hand for our SB rings. Ya'll need to catch up. LOL

Some of you so called Ravens fans are a real piece of work. After all Ray Ray has done for your franchise you all start calling him a killer and a sell out!! With fans like this why would he want to stay??
Come to Dallas Ray!! We Welcome you with open arms!!

Even if Ray Lewis didn't make those comments at the Pro Bowl he still needs to go. If Johnny U and Jerry Rice can be let go so can he. He's on the downside of his career and the Ravens have his replacement in Bart Scott already. If some other NFL team is willing to overpay him then so be it. There is no loyalty in this business anyway. Frienships mean nothing when it comes to doing business. So long Ray. Have a good trip.

I think the team can be better without
lewis..sign scott and brown..no one
person makes a team...good bye
lewis

Signing Scott would reduce the value of Ray Lewis and should drive the price down. All of the other teams would play this game but not the Ravens. Even with all the BS coming out of Ray's mouth Ozzi will put a fair deal on the table. If Ray cares a lick about his legacy he will take the deal.

best part of him going to cowboys is we don't have to play him ever. unless they match up in the superbowl which the odds are very low and if that happens then hell were in the superbowl we were better off without him.

Do we at least get to keep the dance MAYANNNNN??! Maybe Ray is gonna negotiate that in his potentially new contract with another team...16 mill. per season plus can I please dance at the home game introductions?? LOL Good ol' Shuga!

Everyone who "works" for a living knows that sooner or later you move on. Your reward was the compensation received during the association. It is time for Ray to step aside and allow the next generation of leaders to emerge. I hope Jim Leonhard's financial expectations will allow him to become part of that leadership group.

Funny how Scott wants to be here now that Ray wants to be a Cowboy. Maybe more Ravens than just Scott are sick and tired of Ray being the so-called leader. There are more than a few Ravens who just don't care about Ray and his schtick anymore.

Please give Ray the respect he deserves.....he is THE BEST EVER!........that said, these days no 1 player is worth 2-3 starters......cut him....let him see how in real life there is NO BETTER TEAM to play for than the RAVENS......Like many that have posted said....Jim Leonard and Bart....or Matt.....we need these guys.....small cogs that make the TEAM better.......

All you idiots think Bart will have to move positions... the ravens play a 3-4, count 4 LB's. he is the other inner LB

Let Ray go. The Ravens supported him when he was a pariah and then have redone his contract numerous times (I think The Sun 6 times recently). Time for a change since Ray already has proclaimed himself ready for a change.

Mike, where did you get this info from? Did you speak to Mr. Bisciotti? I don't see any sources listed in the article. Is this like an Anita Marks source, she thinks it so her "sources" told her? Your better than that Mike. And to all you people bashing Mr. Bisciotti, WTF? That man is first class all the way, it's more about winning than dollars. Call Cincinati and ask those fans about Mike Brown as owner, better yet look no futher then Peter Angelos, that dude gets $5 bucks a month from you if you like it or not. Why should the O's but a good product on the field, Peter gets paid either way. As far as Ray goes. I'm sick of the act that is Ray Lewis, great player, would have liked to have him back but I've never seen another player disrespect a city that has supported and stuck with them the way Ray has done Baltimore. No matter what happens, stay or go, Ray has tarnished his legacy in Baltimore with his words this off season.

I will start by saying that I love Ray Lewis. No player in memory has ever shown more leadership in any sports arena than Ray. Yes, that includes MJ, Larry Bird, Elway and (God forbid) Unitas. That being said, if everything that is being reported is true and Ray is actively shopping himself to other teams and is not taking negotians with the RVNS in good faith, I hope they withdraw there offer and buy him a plane ticket. He always talks about "my fans" and "my city". Well I got news for Mr Lewis, we are RAVENS fans not Ray Lewis fans. We are the people who stood by him while he sat in an Atlanta court room wearing an orange jump suite. He repaid that loyalty by being a malcontent, influencing trades and draft picks and getting his coach fired.
Another thing, please stop talking about this being a "business". I know that this is America and everyone should try to make as much $ as possible but this man has man in excess of $65 Million in the last 13 years. So maybe, just maybe this guy could show a little loyalty to the people who buy the tickets (and yes ticket prices went up) and the jerseys and in effect, pay his salary.
If he chooses to go to Dallas for his "dream job" I hope the door hits him on the way out.

When you think about, the only LB in the league that gives a better interview than Lewis, is Scott. He's the new man in the house.

Face it.! Ray is going to go with Dallas. It's his last opportunity for a big payday and guaranted money. Don't hate. Ray played his heart out here. At one point in time every good thing must come to an end. Plus when he gets there T.O. is out. Save some cash for a proven receiver--like TJ. Besides if they can sign Suggs and Bart to long term deals and along with the emergence of a young LB, add a shutdown corner The Ravens "D" will be fine for a long time.

Now that 11 time(including this past season) pro-bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks of Tampa Bay was cut I think Ray Lewis will be thinking real hard about whatever deal Ozzie puts on the table even if it means a pay cut. the Bucs want to get younger and Ray knows that the Ravens do too. The Steelers found that youth was the answer 3 years ago. the style of Super Bowl champs is always copied.

First of all, I would like to say that I've appreciated everything Ray Lewis has done for the Baltimore Ravens franchise, and he will always be one of my favorite players. However, I agree with most here, in that it may be time for him to move on.

To the Dallas fans - I don't think you guys will get Ray anyway because you don't have the money if you want to re-sign a young linebacker at the top of his game in Demarcus Ware. Secondly, I'm VERY happy to be a Ravens fan and yes, in the past our offense has struggled. But, you said if the other team scores 17 points we will probably lose? Did you even watch last season? We scored AT LEAST 25 points in 11 different games this year and we had a tough schedule. Our offense is on it's way up with young Joe Flacco who got his team to one game away from the Superbowl, which is more to say for him than a veteran QB in Tony Romo who has repeatedly shown that he cannot get the job done in the big games (even with big receivers like TO). Oh, and did Dallas fans forget the 33-24 DEFEAT this season by the Baltimore Ravens?

It is understandable that Ray's pending free agency elicits such emotion since he has been the face of the franchise ever since he came here. But this really is not about loyalty. I would like to have Ray back as a Raven at the right price. And if I were Ray, this is his last (and only) opportunity to test his value in the free market. I don't begrudge him for doing that. I am sure the Ravens have assigned a value for Ray Lewis. And Ray won't go anywhere else for less or even the same amount of money. Bottom line: If someone else is willing to overpay him, Ray will be leaving. If not, he'll remain a Raven. And that is just as it should be.

All you people on here are backstabbers! I am glad I don't work with you all! You all would turn a person in for being two minutes late to work!!!

I bet you all are the same ones who bashed Unitas for going to the Chargers...

Ray Lewis IS Raven Football...

This defense would be nothing without him! How many D-Coordinators have we had but what has been the one constant in it all? Ray Freaking Lewis!

You people turn on someone in a heartbeat... But I bet you all are supporting that piece of garbage baseball team called the Orioles...

PITIFUL, YOU ALL ARE PITIFUL! YOU AIN'T A REAL RAVENS FAN...

R. LEWIS IS NOTHING WITHOUT HIS TEAMMATES THEY TAKE ON BLOCKS TO FREE HIM UP SO HE CAN MAKE PLAYS HE HAS EVERYONE MANIPULATED THINKING THAT HE IS THE RAVENS. DO YOU THINK THAT OTHER TEAMS THAT DON'T KNOW THIS ABOUT HIM ARE GOING TO SACRIFICE THERE PLAYMAKING FOR A NEWCOMER TO MAKE HIM LOOK GOOD. I DON'T THINK SO, MAKE HIM AN OFFER AND IF HE DOESN'T TAKE LET HIM GO. WE HAVE PLENTY OF TALENT ON OUR DEFENSE.

See ya Ray, thanks for the memories and good luck!

The Ravens will be OK at linebacker, it would be a shame to see Brown go from a young developing O line. That is one area that needs to stay together to jell.

ray have brought national attention to baltimore: gave his all to the ravens: he has more passion then anyone in his area. i do you turn on someone that wants to secure his family future. i played for a year . i now represent chuck banks ex-nfl star with the houston oilers and indy colts > he attens high school at northwestern high school in baltimore. also work with ex-raven player micheal jackson. people amaze me. because if the shoe was on the other foot. they would pack there bags. the ravens will never have a season like they did last year. . it will take years to rebuild

Bisciotti is a whole lot smarter than Lewis (he's a lot smarter than most of us). Hopefully all this is just a game to satisfy the players union. The fact is the Ravens do not need Lewis to continue to improve. He's old, in the way, and cost too much money. The Ravens want to do the right thing, and rest assured in the end they will. With or without him. If I was Ray I'd jump on board quick, today or tomorrow. Dallas has not been in the play-offs in 12 years, and the Jets are a failed franchaise.
Quick Ray, jump! Before the boat leaves. Otherwise you'll be swimming in shallow water.

If wearing a Dallas star on that thick skull of his is his "dream," I hope he gets to live it. I'm amazed by that posturing son of a *****. Let him be TO's best buddy if he's going to act like him.

But I've been saying from Day 1 that the Ravens have a choice between using money on Ray or using the money to maintain/improve the secondary: primarily by keeping Rolle, Leonard, and Scott (our best cover linebacker)

Ray can't cover the middle passing lanes anywhere but in the redzone, where all of his undeflected interceptions were landed this season. We need versatile linebackers, and Ray doesn't make the cut.

No player is worth this much bull****

Will Ray-ray be able to do his dance in Dallas or New York, I think not. Ray has no loyalty in his body, just ask Brian Billick after he saved him from the Atlanta murder publicity or when he stabbed Brian in the back last year in the locker room & on the radio. The worst was when he talked the team into giving the "warrior", aka a washed up Steve McNair, who brought nothing but problems to the Ravens, a $32 million dollar contract. Bye-bye Ray, you have completely alienated Ravens fans. Please don't come back. Lets keep Bart Scott,who has been a great player and wants to be here.

I was hoping on signing Scott last night but that looks highly unlikely now. Jets have much more money to offer him than we do. I can't imagine the sound of Lewis announced for another team. But if Lewis goes, we have to move on and I think Ozzie will do that. You have to love having Ozzie in these situations. The man knows how to keep his cool and stick to business. He is already talking to Foxworth to solve the cb position. We might need a temp inside LB if Lewis doesn't resign or we could draft a LB. Anyway times are changing and we need to keep our common sense here. Make a goal of at least signing one. If anyone should have learn something in the past week, its Steve Bisciotti. He did take for granted that this day would never come. Last year, I didn't like the move making John Harbaugh as head coach. I don't believe the team believes in his blue collar attitude and generic speeches no matter what he did last season (Keep in mind we had the best coordinators in the game). Players, especially a 34 year old Lewis is considering whether he wants to come back to those hard nose practices everyday under John. Players respect experience, bottom line. Harbaugh doesn't have it. I like his hard nose mentality, but the man needs to let up a bit. Ryan should have had this job last year and everyone in Baltimore will find out why in a couple weeks. No matter how far we made it this year, Ryan would have worked out better in the long run. And what’s up with this copy cat league! Everyone in the NFL is getting in on this young coach vibe that started with Mike Tomlin. The major reason young Mike got respect was because he was another black coach in the NFL. Not his AGE?! The league is 80% A.A. If I was black I would want him to succeed too, even if I wasn’t on his team. The only other thing that commands respect besides experience and race is MONEY. And that is something we don't have a lot of. Should be interesting in the couple weeks but don't be surprised if both LB's are gone.