I have resisted asking this on a Baltimore blog but am I dreaming or didnt Lewis give an insulting tirade dressed in a floppy velvet bow tie looking somewhat under the influence last time he didnt think he was being offerred enough in a timely enough fashion? He touched on city and team and owner and GM as I recall, questioning their dedication to winning because he wasnt taken care of in as timely a fashion as he would have liked? I can picture him clearly, droopy eyelids match droopy velvet bow tie. It seems to have faded from memories around here tho it got prominent play at the time. Perhaps you can refresh my memory?

With the rumors about the kind of money the Cowboys are willing to throw at Ray, the best decision will be to let him walk. We can spend that 25 million$ over two years elsewhere to help the team.

I saw Ray's comments re: Cowboys , and Jets . Inititially I was taken aback and my snap judgement was to say go ahead and pack your bags , loyalty , smoyalty . After digesting it for a while , I realize its part of "the game" of negotiating . But in the local fans eyes it still tends to bite at you that he'd say what he did .
On a related note , of all the people that I thought would never mention taking a "discount" would be Suggs . It's almost unheard of these days. .... M. Texie......

Pete, what do you think would be a fair signing bonus would be? I know it depends on his yearly salary, but I bet Lewis's signing bonus (if not the Ravens, somewhere else) will be above 10 million. Is that way too high?

..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Wish I had a better feel for that.

Why are his statements boderline provocative.....because he's being honest and they make sense as far as him looking out for his best interest as any of us would....If the sun said Pete dont take that other job that pays you more money..... stay with us for less.... what would your reaction be....especially after you had proved to be an exceptional employee for 13 years....what is he supposed to do put his tail between his legs so people who already want a reason to criticize him because they already dislike him can be satisfied. Newsome has proved to be a very good GM, but he and his staff made a few critical mistakes.... and those mistakes prevented what could have been a great dynasty......times up for the Ravens..... and that decision was not made by Ray Lewis....it was made by Ozzie Newsome and staff last april.....they wanted to build for the future and chose to ignore the reality of the potential they had right now........You got your franchise quarterback..... let him be your franchise.

It's all a game. But one thing is for sure. Ray splits, he can stop calling this his town, real quick.

Why are his statements boderline provocative.....because he's being honest and they make sense as far as him looking out for his best interest as any of us would....If the sun said Pete dont take that other job that pays you more money..... stay with us for less.... what would your reaction be....especially after you had proved to be an exceptional employee for 13 years....what is he supposed to do put his tail between his legs so people who already want a reason to criticize him because they already dislike him can be satisfied. Newsome has proved to be a very good GM, but he and his staff made a few critical mistakes.... and those mistakes prevented what could have been a great dynasty......times up for the Ravens..... and that decision was not made by Ray Lewis....it was made by Ozzie Newsome and staff last april.....they wanted to build for the future and chose to ignore the reality of the potential they had right now........You got your franchise quarterback..... let him be your franchise.

Pete-

My comment to Ray is that if you're unhappy about your current situation here in the city that you love, then go to FantasyLand, home of the so-called "America's Team", where the wide receiver cries relentlessly and "BoJo"
(owner Jerry "Botox" Jones) will give you one of the most "glad to have ya"
non-heartfelt welcomes you'll ever see. FantasyLand or Baltimore, it's your call, Ray-Ray.

Franchise him. We have the right to do it, Ozzie should use his tools available to keep our better players. If we cannot lock Ray up long term after tagging him, we can attempt to work out a trade w/ Dallas or NYJ. Use your resources Ozzie,,,its not personal its business.

Of course if we tag Ray, you must have Suggs locked up. Its never easy is it??

It is time for the franchise tag. It is obvious the Ravens can't offer him the biggest deal so why not use the tag. Sign Suggs and possibly Scott. Ray has been running his mouth for the last week so if he really believes it is in Gods hands, then the franchise tag is Gods message. I do not care if Ray has had bad business ventures. We have an opportunity to win a super bowl next year and we have the right to use the franchise tag and it's time to end this talk from Ray and tag him

Ray Lewis did a good job keeping quiet during the season. He should continue to keep his mouth shut instead of confirming that truly is a fool.

Hey Ray,

Good Bye. But thanks. The bubble economy is over and it is not responsible to pay premium for a 34 year old linebacker. Your restaurant is closed, your time is up.

I am excited for the Suggs, Reed machine.

I am excited for Harbaugh and Cam.

I am excited for Flacco.

Thanks Ray for the memories, maybe with some better karma you would have won more than one bowl. But that is now in Jerry Jones hand. Take his money and retire happy.

Ray Lewis will always be known as the greatest Raven. However, his lack of loyalty to Baltimore is both troubling and puzzling. He's done so many great things in a football field for Baltimore. Both the Ravens and the fans stuck by him in his darkest hour, may he never forget that ! How many millions is enough ? Suggs has offered to take less to keep the 3 FA linebackers here. I'll guarantee you that Ray has a lot more money than Suggs ! "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." -1st Timothy 6:10. Thanks for some great memories Ray, go get your big payday in Dallas or New York.

okay ray really pissed alot of fans of with what he said... no home town discount? first off RAY if it really is all ABOUT WINNING you would so we can sign other marquee players to take us to the SUPERBOWL!! your all about the money!!! thats all it is! just like every other selfish player your an asshole! you need a reality check!! you dont deserve as much as your asking for!!! in fact no player does!! but lets look at the facts ray, your 34! and as much as you like to believe it your not the player you use to be!! n if ya wanna leave go ahead we sign suggs! and have great young linebackers hell well take bart scott back to! haha oh and there was one thing you said that made me reallt laugh here it is

"The uncomfortable thing about me is that I'm even having this conversation," Lewis said. "With everything I've given to that city, I've always felt that this is one conversation that I would never have and didn't want to have. That scenario in Baltimore ... that's nothing I don't love about my city."

everything youv given to us? yea okay you "HELPED" get us a ring but we stuck behind you when you killed somebody! thats enough said there, i wonder were you woulda been drafted if we didnt draft you? not first round maybe a late second! if this is really your city you wouldnt even consider leaving you dont love you.... you love the money thats why theres not a statue of you outside the stadium if you leave ray i promise one thing.... Baltimore fans will no longer see you as they saw cal ripken or J.U. in the long run it would help us if we didnt resign you we still have reed,suggs,ngata,washington a nice core of players to build around. but if you leave i would love to see your face next year AS THE RAVENS HOIST THE VINCE LAMBARDI TROPHY

It is simple really. It is business. As a business if they feel Ray stays regardless. Franchise Him! Ray talks about all he has done for Baltimore, but not about all Baltimore has done for him. Like he says"No home field advantage." Its strictly business

Bottomline, the NFL should grant teams one exception to the salary cap. Players that have been with the same team for 8 years or more will only count 50% towards the cap. Therefore, the team can afford to keep the player (it's not like the Ravens don't want him back, but he is going to be 34 and they can't ruin the future to pay him). There is no question, he is and has been the face of the franchise but has been paid a lot of money over the years. This rule would help the player retire with the one team they have played for their entire career. Lastly, it's great for the NFL and the hometown city. They want that special player to retire with their team that they have supported every Sunday.

If he leaves for more money his image will be tarnished immediately.

Ray is a couple million dollars really going to make or break your lifestyle?
Staying with the same team more then makes up for the few million. You will be an icon here forever. If you leave you will look like a selfish punk looking for a few extra bucks. People remember what you did most recently, therefore, you leave, there will be a lot of fans that will def. turn their back on you. "Tan Man" should guarantee him a coaching job after his career is over and pay him $2 million a year as a coach. It is legal. Think Tan Man, Think!!!

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." -1st Timothy 6:10.

Someone is talking to you Ray Ray! Listen...

Also, I agree with the comment that we should franchise him. If he keeps his attitude up, either franchise and then trade him, or release him.

He will have a statue next to Johnny U, or he gets nothing. Use that as leverage in contract talks.

Have to like Suggs attitude about trying to keep players together. He is a leader by truly trying to keep this team together. Ray really needs a great life advisor, not financial advisor.

See ya, Ray. Do you need a ride to the airport?

I think at some point Ray Lewis will realize that he needs the Ravens more than they need him. Ray is valuable, but the Ravens could spend that same money elsewhere and the defense would likely not miss a beat. Ray could probably get an extra $5 to $10 mil over the next couple years by going elsewhere, but leaving Baltimore could potentially jeopardize his long term, post-football, earning potential and iconic status. That is, for the rest of his life, worth significantly more than the extra couple bucks he could make right now.

You know, as much as we all hate the idea, we have to wave bye-bye to Ray Lewis at some point. I wouldn't blame Biscotti one bit if he decides to do a 180 on his stance with Ray after Lewis' ridiculous comments to the NFL Network. Mr. Biscotti doesn't strike me as a big "game player". If Ray thinks he's going to be as popular and have the same impact in Dallas or New York that he has here, he's more full of himself than it even appears!!! He's not gonna walk into that Cowgirl locker room and be THE MAN!! It may even make things WORSE to have some outsider come in there expecting to be their leader. The Jets might actually be a better fit for him, but he's less likely to win there than he is by staying with the RAVENS. But hey, despite what comes out of their mouths about wanting to win, it's all about the $$$$$$$$ with these guys ---- Ray Lewis included.

Ray should get as much money as he can get, and odds are that won't be in Baltimore. As the others have noted, it's business. It's been an honor to watch him play over the years and I'll root for whatever team he winds up on (except when they play the Ravens!)

I think this may be for the better. You think Lewis' elevated play this year had NOTHING to do with the fact that he was in a contract year? I just can't see anyone his age maintaining that level of play for the duration of the contract he is going to get. Like Branch Rickey used to say (paraphrasing), its better to get rid of a player a year too early than a year too late.

The bottom line here is that football, despite how much the NFL loves to promote it as the greatest game, is more than anything else a business........and good business says your first priority is to take care of the employees who best serve your company first, and in football its pretty obvious that a players age is a huge factor....Ray is 34, suggs is 25 or 26, Scott is I believe 27?......and there is a great deal of depth on this team when it comes to linebacker........he was a fantastic player in his prime, is still pretty good now, but to throw a lot of money his way and lose either Suggs or Scott makes little to no sense....eras come and go in football pretty quickly, and if Ray's era here is over, lets be thankful for what he brought to us, and move on..........one thing that was brought up about the Raven's D is as good as they were, there were speed issues, and a 34 year old middle linebacker isn't going to get faster, he's going to get slower, let's see how Gooden or McClain or another of the young backers fills that roll, since the D is going to be a bit different now that Ryan is gone...........thanks for the memories Ray, but the Ravens will continue on, even if you don't.......

Ray shows his "ture colors"! Let him go - keep Bart and Suggs get some d'back in here and a good wideout and we can shakeNbake!

Pete - You know it's one thing for him to say, I want what's fare or whatever. But to start naming teams he'd like to play for shows he's just another greedy athlete. Like Shannon told him, stay in Baltimore, they love and would put a statue of you next to Johnny U. Which would probably be true.

I mean what team gave him the highest signing bonus for a defensive player at that time? What team and city stood by him at his trial? His comments shows his ignorance to the team, the owner, and most important the city. Baltimore will always be his city? I don't think so, if he leaves. It could be, but it's on him.

First of all, I'm a big fan of Ray Lewis. Like it or not he is the face of the Baltimore Ravens. His on field abilities and leadership is unquestioned. A future hall of famer that has defined that position. However, I was taken aback by his comments on the NFL Network. Doesn't he know what his defection to another team would do to the city of Baltimore? It would be like 1983 all over again. Doesn't he remember how the city and Art Model stood up for him in Atlanta? Doesn't he realize that he has a better chance of another championship ring with the Ravens vs. the Cowboys or Jet's? Sadly, it seems that it's all about the money with Ray. Since Ray shows no loyalty to the Ravens (based on the comments on the NFL Network) the Ravens should make their decesion based on the best interest interest of the team. If they can't get a fair deal for both parties, then franchise him and see what God thinks about that.

Here is what bothers me most. I have heard radio talk show hosts stating that Ray is looking for his last big payday. It is said in the matter that he realy needs it. If Ray is truly broke, that is not the Ravens fault. They signed him in the first round, stood behind him during his darkest time, and gave him a big contract in his prime. All NFL superstars get thier big contract the second time, not the third. I appreciate everything Ray has done on the field for the city of Baltimore but I do not think it is in the best interests of the team to pay him more than his market value because he feels he is owed loyalty.
Ray, there are 53 players on a team, not 52.

This is all normal stuff. Players that just negotiate with one team are fools. The fact is Ray Lewis is the face of the Ravens and will be 20 years from now. But the only way he will get what he wants is to have leverage. We will see but he knows that at this point he only has a few years left and this will be his last big paycheck, at least as an NFL player. Who knows what this guy is capable of doing when he retires but I am sure with his work ethic and desire he will be successful.

This is sad to see...yeah, Ray certainly is within his rights to "game" the system, but I was hoping that he would show a little more class. His comments will have very little bearing on his ultimate market value and only serve to alienate him from his long time fan base.

The Ravens and Ray Lewis are still a good fit. If he stays, this defense can still be dominant and both the Ravens and Ray could make a run at a championship, probably during the next two years...it's still his defense if he wants it to be.

That being said, let's hope Ozzie does not mortgage the team's future to keep him. Team's that fall in love with and overpay aging superstars in the salary cap era are doomed to mediocritiy. The best model in the NFL is the New England Patriots...they are not afraid to let aging star players depart and constantly keep the pipeline full of young draft picks and the occasional free agent pick-ups to supplement their team. They have sustained excellence for a long period of time using that formula.

So, if Ray is not willing to compromise, or the team is unwilling to use the franchise tag...then I think that Mr. Bisciotti and Ozzie have no other choice but to let him walk.

Ray C-ya been nice to have ya, but we have 2 younger linebackers we need to keep and we have been behind you your whole career in B-more City quess it's time for you to move on.

Like I've said before if Ray wants top money he should seek it elsewhere. We've stood with him as well as he has played for us. As a ageing middle linebacker he can stay here and be the big fish in a little pond, and be adorned in Baltimore forever. OR....... Ray can leave, for really just a tiny bit more money, and be a small fish in a big pond. He'll lose a great deal of his bond to Baltimore and that is something he can not find in a contract. It would be a big mistake for Ray. I expect he is a lot smarter than that., and signs her for the rest of his career. All this talk on the NFL channel is just to apease the players union, so Ray can go about his business.

I like what Ray does on the field and it would be great to have him stay, but he always spews his mantra about "business", ...and God. Well it is all BS, because you can inject business and God into anything when you want it to play the way you want it to. It's really about being selfish, and just so everyone understands, it usually is .... for us all !! We always interpret the bible and use God when we want to satisfy our selfish needs. GOD doesn't care about how you play on the fireld Ray, nor does God care about your income "business". Please just say what it is. Its all about the benjamins...loot-dust-gold-money, and you. Leave God alone. I'm sure God has better things to take care of, Like this ailing economy !!! (lol) Oh by the way, you'll make the decision to either go elsewhere or stay. Not God!! if anyone were to ask me, Jonathan Ogden was and will be the Greatest Raven !! He played no where else., and he didn't use God as his backdrop. I like what you do on the field Ray, but really I don't care at this point if you leave. There will always be another LB to play the position. Sooner or later we have to step aside for one reason or another. For God's Sake Shut Up !! and do what you're going to do !!!

without Ray, we are at best an 8-8 team next year. The defensive will not be the seem and neither will the team chemistry. It will be a long year. Don't you pay players to win? Pay Ray big money and win a super bowl!

Don't let the door hit you in the butt Ray!!

Now Baltimore fans can finally realize that Ray lewis is ony concerned with Ray Lewis. He has never been a Baltimore guy. See you later chump! Take your act on the road somewhere else!

WHAT TIME IS IT?
Time for Ray to pack his bags...I know his recent remarks are "gamesmanship" for negotiating a bigger payday but the fans deserve better. No doubt #52 gets the very best out of the defensive squad and all but I can assure you that while there are several players that respond to his leadership, many others are tired of hearing the same tired message over and over again.

I am genuinely surprised of the tolerance expressed by most fans in general but aren't there just a few (me included) that are tired of witnessing the ego-centric, ego-maniac, ME, ME, ME, attitude expressed by Ray Lewis?

WHAT TIME IS IT?
Time for Baltimore fans to move on. I look forward to watching the BALTIMORE Ravens TEAM develop while waving farewell to the RAY LEWIS RAVENS...

Best of Luck Ray!

WHAT TIME IS IT?
Time for Ray to pack his bags...I know his recent remarks are "gamesmanship" for negotiating a bigger payday but the fans deserve better. No doubt #52 gets the very best out of the defensive squad and all but I can assure you that while there are several players that respond to his leadership, many others are tired of hearing the same tired message over and over again.

I am genuinely surprised of the tolerance expressed by most fans in general but aren't there just a few (me included) that are tired of witnessing the ego-centric, ego-maniac, ME, ME, ME, attitude expressed by Ray Lewis?

WHAT TIME IS IT?
Time for Baltimore fans to move on. I look forward to watching the BALTIMORE Ravens TEAM develop while waving farewell to the RAY LEWIS RAVENS...

Best of Luck Ray!

How about you work Ray and Sizzle on parallel negotiating tracks. Whoever signs first gets the deal, the other gets the franchise tag.

I think the fans on this board need to lay off of Ray. He has carried this team for 13 years and he deserves to be paid for his talents. If he gets a better deal elsewhere, as much as it is heartbreaking to say, then he should take it -- particularly if we have let him walk.

Quit dumping on Ray. Without him, we wouldn't have won a Super Bowl and been to 2 AFC championship games.

The CBA allows for franchise and transition tagging. We ought to use those tags for leverage if for nothing else.

Ray, make sure the door doesn't hit you...

My concern isn't about the money as much as it is about continuity, tradition and leadership. If Rex had stayed I'd be ok with Ray leaving. But with a new and unproven defensive coordinator I think keeping Ray in the fold is vital. It is vital to allow the defense to adjust and to have ray mentor the young LB's the Ravens are counting on.

The Ravens simply can't afford to lose two leaders in defense. I'd franchise Lewis and negotiate with Scott and Suggs and see if those two guys will take a discount to keep the trio together.

Just 2 days ago I defended Ray Lewis when people were calling him a murderer. It was 10 years ago that he went to trial, and we are still defending him. He should appreciate that. I understand that he needs to test the market, but if he keeps up the bad attitude he will lose our respect, and his legacy. The worst thing for his future is if he has a bad attitude and gets the franchise tag. Then he will lose his big payday and he will never be respected in this city again. Most likely he will slow down even more next season. If he really acts up we can just bench him. Then he will have a hard time getting a big payday the next year, when he is 35. At that point he will be totally ruined. His best bet is to watch his mouth and try to negotiate peacefully with the Ravens.

This is nothing but pure Marketing 101. And Ray will 'need' every bit of the guaranteed money in this contract as, I believe, a large chunk of his last contract went towards the civil settlement with the families of two guys slain in Atlanta during Super Bowl week a few years back.

Ray has never left a dollar on the table, and he never will. He performed well and was paid well during his tenure with the Ravens, but it's time to let him go. 34 year old linebackers don't get end of career "loyalty" deals, especially when Ray-Ray wants to get every last buck out of it.

And there's nothing wrong with seeking the largest deal, just as there is nothing wrong with Bisciotti deciding to spend that money on younger players and positions of need. Not to mention that in any other city Lewis would just be another aging free agent signing rather than an icon who spent his entire career in one city. He would be an endorsement machine in this area until the day he died (much like Cal) and more than make up whatever he missed out on from the next contract, but we all know that Ray isn't a Hall of Fame businessman.

The Steelers said good-bye to one of Ray's fine but erratic friends, Joey Porter, and the Ravens should do the same to number 52. Decision time: a season with another erratic friend, T.O. or 2-games with Joey or listen to the answer to your prayers, which probably will be "money is the root of all evils; charity is a virtue". We'll see just how religious number 52 really is now that he professes to have invoked the Almighty into this picture. Maybe he should talk to Kurt Warner, too, as well as read about the unsigned and aging free-agents in MLB as he seeks guidance.

We can no longer afford Ray Lewis. Ngata is a free agent next year. We need Suggs and to get younger on the line and at corner. Franchising Ray would be the worst idea. He would get over 10 million and we don't have the luxury of unlimited cap space. I don't want to hear any apologists like Anita Marks claiming he has a big family and needs to take care of them. He's fleeced the organization too many times to be broke. How about an Ogden, Heap or Scott move? All of them have accepted restructuring or a lower offer for the good of the Ravens. They are the people we need now.
Thanks for the memories Ray. Have fun doing your poopy pants dance on the star.

Hmm... if its between him and God... i got to believe that god would tell him to leave the people that love him for greed, more fame, and more money..... I mean, isnt that what is preached on sundays. Think of yourself....

Bisciotti Is going to do another turn around like Schmuck said. Look out Ray - Here comes the franchise tag!

let ray go. save the cap money. it is all about coaching. the steelers made harrison all-pro after the ravens let him go. follow the steelers lead and hope for better player selection via free agency or draft. the players may be better off without the focus on him.

Loyality? Maybe Ray should think about the time the Ravens stood behind him during the most serious time in his life. Remember the party after the super bowl Ray and why you ended up in jail? With what all the Ravens did for you and backed you, just think about it, you should be greatful to them for the rest of your life.

Oh quit boo-hooin', everyone. Ray could very well be back here next season, but why on Earth *should* it be at a hometown discount? All that talk about Dallas, NYJ, or even Cinci? Just leverage-building. I'm sure Ray's conversations with the franchise have gone a little something like this:

Bisciotti: Ray, you know there's absolutely no question we want you back here. You've been the face of this franchise since it arrived, and your legacy here is cemented. We want to do whatever we can to do the deal that let's you retire a Raven.

Ray: Thanks, Steve-o. Those words mean a lot to me and I appreciate hearing them. I'll be honest, I think I need to see what kind of offers I can attract on the open market. After seeing how poorly the union has taken care of my retired brothers, I may need to grab every last dollar possible in order to ensure a family legacy for all of my kids (wherever they are) and my mom, but also to ensure when all of my injuries start catching up to me, I've got enough coin in my pocket to cover those expenses. I don't want to end up like John Mackey.

Cass: Ray, you *are* the Ravens. When it's all said and done, we want you to remain part of this franchise long after you hang up your cleats. We'll pull together an incredible, and lucrative, marketing package for you after you retire - one that would make Brett Favre green with envy.

Ray: I hear that, but I still feel like I can play, and as long as I can play, I'm gonna do it for as much money as I can get. Steve-O, you're a businessman, you know what I'm saying.

Bisciotti: I think we understand, Ray.

Ozzie: Ray, it's OK. Go on out and test the waters. Drum up as much hype and interest as you can, and when your offers come in, be sure to come on back in here to give us the opportunity to show you exactly how much we can do for you. I can guarantee you that, in terms of total package, no one will be able to beat it. But if you walk away and sign with another team, you're marketing value - because of how the fans will see you - will plummet faster than a runaway elevator, and at that point, our post-career marketing deal will be off the table.

Bisciotti: Good luck, Ray. Think about everything we talked about. Ozzie will be in touch with you again soon. Thanks everyone.

Didn't we want Mike Mussina to take a hometown discount...twice? Remember how well that panned out? 1st time he did, and he was crucified by the union. Second time? Well, with that result, there began the demise of the Orioles.

As much as I hate the Steelers, their players now the meaning of team. How many years have they been able to keep that team together and under the cap? If Baltimore is Ray's team then he should settle for a little less money to bring a title back to Baltimore where it belongs.

Anyone remember Alan Faneca? Yeah, the offensive lineman who left Pittsburgh for the big payday with the Jets. Look how well that turned out. The Jets missed the playoffs and Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl.

I'd hate to see Ray Lewis go, but there's no sense breaking the bank to keep him when we have other pressing issues like cornerback and wide receiver.

Ray Ray, remember one thing my friend, "It's better to quiet and thought a fool then to open your mouth and remove all doubt!"

I say let him go and spend the money to build on the future.

I am always amused by the moronic rants by any number of Knuckleheads...They said exactly the same thing about Suggs when he barely breathed the idea of playing in Arizona
It's hard to see Ray leave, much less go to the Jets (NO QB, sound familiar?). As for Jerry's Jocks, is there a greater dysfunctional franchise in all of sports?
Everybody just calm down. Ozzie and Steve have been right more often than wrong. You have to trust them that they will make the right call. As for Ray, well, he talks a lot about character. Now we will get an idea about his real character. Money cannot buy you everything that you want in life, but he still has to play the negotiation game. It comes with the territory...And for all you "knuckleheads" that are hammering Ray, the Ravens also own part of the responsibility for this situation, so spread your venom around so that all can share it.

I never thought I would be saying this but, Goodbye Ray!

As a Ravens fan, I loved watching Ray Lewis play. But as a realist, I have to say goodbye to him if he isn't interested in helping this team get better. It is and always will be about the money.
We have to keep Suggs. As for Scott, I think he'll stay. Otherwise his playing goes the way of Jamie Sharper and Hartwell after they left.
Finally with the draft coming up, I know we need a younger cornerback, but what about taking a look at James Laurinaitis as a replacement for Ray?

Good Thoughts - I was worried with the mention of the other teams - but your right this is probably just hype - I'd like him to retire in purple - He's the face of our franchise and it would just feel wrong - Unitas left and it felt wrong - Let's not do the same

It's disappointing to be sure that he's not willing to take a lesser deal to stay, but is it really suprising. No, it's not since this is the last contract Ray is ever gonna get. Ray's gotta be kidding though if Dallas and the effin Jets, I can't see the man in Jet green, are better destinations. Dallas, though talented, is a cesspool of a locker room and I certainly don't see the Jets as a SB contender with all the question marks they have, plus I think they'd have to clear space to get him. He'll get his share of attention in those big markets but he's legendary here and won't ever be loved by those fans like he is in Baltimore.

I still have hope that he's not done here that managment will keep him because he would be a huge loss. Franchising him though would be awful because I'd rather have no Ray than a furious, pissed off I don't want to be here Ray, I just hope he stays.

No Baltimore Fan should be suprised by Ray's recent comments. Doesn't anyone remember Ray shopping himself several years ago, desparately trying to find a team to take him? It was the off-season before Ngata was drafted. He showed then that he has neither love nor loyalty for this city and that has not changed. I don't completely fault him for that because the game has changed since Unitas and Matte. Players no longer play for the love of the game and their fans, they play for money only (with some rare exceptions of which Ray is not one).

So, Ray's behavior does not surprise me. What does surprise me is the local media saying Ray "needs" this payday because this will be his "last". Ray will not be destitute in 5 years if he gets 16 million instead of 25. Neither will Ray be an invalid after he plays football with no ability to work again. Ray doesn't NEED an extra 10 million. Since 2000, Ray has made 54 million not including bonuses, endorsements, etc. He is already filthy rich compared to the vast majority of Americans. Most of us will never gross one million in our entire careers much less 54 times that. If he so desparately needs that extra 10 million "to feed his family", he would be better served to interview financial advisers than shop football teams.
Bottom line, Ray could easily stay in Baltimore and make ends meet, but his ego and his greed prevent that. If Ray walks, the team has lots of talent at the LB position and we will move on. It was destined to come sooner or later and this is probably a good time to make the transition.

I don't accept that the defense - and ultimately the team - would fall from grace with the release of ONE player. The other veterans on the defense are not idiots. They know how to motivate the gang.

The only position I feel is critical is the QB. Blocking/tackling is one thing... throwing a ball into a small pocket whilst being rushed by 300+ lb linemen is HARD. That is a true skill position. The skill positions require the most funds...not an easily replaceable LB.

Thnk about it: the Indy colts have have 12 or more wins for many, many years.

I feel that he is speaking from a leverage standpoint. Honestly, what kind of moron would go into contract negotiations saying, "Not only will I not even consider playing for another team, but you can give me a pay cut, too." What else is he supposed to say. The only reason this has gotten so blown out of proportion is because Bisciotti and Suggs opened their mouths about a hometeam discount. If all of this were handled behind closed doors from the beginning, I don't think Ray would have given such an answer. In the end, I think he will get as much money out of us as possible and retire a Raven.

I've got no problem with a player seeking his fair market value, but what he really needs to stop is the God talk (I've sent up my prayers and it's between me and God...). God doesn't care about whether a guy worth 100 million earns 3 more million in NY vs Baltimore etc. It's just a lame way to shirk the responsibility of owning up to what this is really all about: greed. Ray likes to make things involving himself bigger than they are. This isn't about God. This is about the greed of a man who plays a game for a living and makes more doing it than any soldier, policeman, fireman and even most doctors. Again, I actually don't have a problem with any of this. It is capitalism. Most of us, myself included, would take the money. But just admit that it is about greed.

Purely from a pragmatic standpoint, The Ravens are already preparing for the post-Ray Lewis era with the host of talented young linebackers on the roster, and a few on the IR. If Ray moves on it will be imperative to retain Scott and Suggs. Scott can do an adequate job in a middle rotation with Tavares Gooden and others. It is not the end of the world, and the Ravens should not break the Bank for Ray at his age. More so than Ray, the Ravens need a game breaking wide receiver{or two] and a cornerback{or two]. They will win with Ray or without him going forward.

i don't think ray is knocking baltimore, with his effort and
dedication he believes he should
not take a pay cut.

i think both parties should be
sensible and sign ray to a 3 year
deal and let him retire here.

his effort and performance speak
for themselves, his law enforcement
problems seem to be in the past....

Reading Ray's comments...initially I thought "what the hell is wrong with him?" Then, after having some time to digest it, and keeping in mind it's a business, I understood that these were all negotiating tactics in response to Biscotti's comments. To say he loves T.O. is a joke. To say he might play in New York with Rex is, to me, more likely IF he leaves Baltimore. And as much as I have loved watching him the past 13 years, sooner or later he'll be gone when he retires anyway. And I don't think he has much left in the tank. Nowhere near the player he was when they won the Super Bowl, especially late in games. So go for it, Ray. Thanks for the memories and let the chips fall where they may.

The Ravens need cap room and need to secure the younger players and look to fill longstanding weaknesses (wide receiver and corner). Recall how bad Lewis performed without really outstanding defensive tackles. Ray will not leave as great a need as believed in the middle so long as Bannan, Ngata and Gregg. Much rather see a great talent at wide receiver, left tackle or cornerback.

good thing money is the only thing Ray is into or those 70 virgins might induce Ray to leave jesus' team for greener pastures on Allah's team.

Serious question. Do any Ravens fans regret defending Ray when Ray trashed Billick or his play calling after games or last time Ray went public when he wanted to be paid on his schedule at his rate? Let's leave the ATL mess out of the issue for now. Truth is that this guy was never a team player and never a good Baltimorean. He is a good guy when he has everything going his own way. On the field he is a hall of fame guy and maybe even borderline "Rushmore-esque" but he acts like a spoiled kid when things dont go his way. I wouldnt really have a problem with what he said but the fact that he felt a need to say it to the media instead of the front office. Ray has always been like Jordan or like Bruce Smith was with Snyder. He bypasses Ozzie, bulldozed Billick and goes out to play golf or to a Terp game with "Bish". That wasnt healthy in DC and isnt healthy in Baltimore. And now that he needs to deal in big boy business, where did all that buddy-buddy over the years get the owner? Answering Baby Ray in the media. Ray belongs in Dallas, he would fit right in. Am I being overly harsh?

No way do the Ravens throw the money at Ray that the Cowboys or even the Jets throw at him, and the Ravens shouldn't have to. I would think that Ray would understand that the organization would gladly throw whatever money they could at him, if THEY could. But the Ravens can't - not if they want to continue to contend by wrapping up Suggs and maybe Scott. I'm a bit insulted that Ray is taking this approach. It will be a shame to hear Lewis boo'ed in Baltimore as a member of the Cowgirls or Jets, but, hey, if he leaves, it's all bc of money and I will lose a ton of respect and i might just be leading the chorus of boo's

Pete,

Though I'm an Oriole fan and don't particularly follow the Ravens, what's up with teams from Baltimore leaving the impression to the rest of the sports world that they are seeking "a hometown discount"? First it was Texiera for the O's and now Ray Ray for the Ravens, what gives. Logically, the current team of any great player gets several premium years out of the player at a reduced rate (due to normal contract excallation over the the years) and looking at it from that perspective, I would presume most players would want a premium to return to the team for those cheap years AND the fact the current team didn't extend them before free agency! Another interesting point on this is that many teams spend more to buy someone elses free agents than paying for their own FA's many times for inferior talent (ie.... see the Redskins)!

Just an interesting observation!

I been reading a lot about Ray building leverage when he discusses his contract with Ozz. Good luck with that! I don't know how much leverage a 34 year old FB player can build. The Ravens defense is a "system", just plug in the parts. One of the strengths of this team is their young linebackers. Sign Suggs, Scott, Leonard and Brown. That's the priority not Ray's deal.

How can you get so angry at Ray now, before a decision has even been made? This is ridiculous, we probably have a month of negotiations before anything is done. Ray's right as an American is to get the most for his services. I don't think Ray would leave if we're only talking 1 or 2 million but if it's 5-7 million, Ray can do what he wants. I'll still love him. Baltimore will still love him! He will always be remembered as a Raven no matter where he goes!

Pete-

This might be too late to be relevant to the conversation, but is have there been any rumors about the possibility of the Ravens landing Asomugha out of Oakland? I've been hearing he wants out, but I haven't heard of any possible destinations.

It has been 8 seasons since the Super Bowl Win. The Ravens have made the playoffs 4 times in those years.

Ray's tenure during this period has seen a .500 record in playoff appearances. Ray's presence alone has insured the Ravens a certain level of respectability but it doesn't guarantee the playoffs.

The most recent playoff appearances could reasonably be attribued to an injection of energy from a warrior QB ( McNair) and a new coach and new QB.

I hope they bring him back but consistent Super Bowl contenders such as the Patriots or the Steelers would not re-sign him for the kind of money he is said to want. If Bisciotti means what he says then that should tell you something.

I have to say that the tone of his talk suggests that he is gone.
If indeed he is listening to god, he might end up in Pittsburgh. With all the calls that they get, god must be a Pittsburgh fan.

We should lock up Suggs and Bart Scott. Great franchises let go of players a year early rather than a year late. If we franchise Ray, do you think the Cowboys, Jets or other teams would be willing to give up the compensation needed to trade for him? We could turn those picks into Boldin.

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Pete's reply: I'm guessing not.

Ray is every bit the 'Franchise Player' (not in the normal NFL understanding of such, rather what he means to the fans, etc.) He IS NOT the franchise. As much as we would hate to see him go, Aren't we impressed by the style and decisions Coach Harbaugh has made; the huge decline in unsportsmanlike stuff in the games, and for the most part off the field. The team needs to decide what Ray is worth, if he chooses to take more elsewhere, let it be his decision.

What Ray Lewis doesnt realize is if he does not return to the Ravens he will be viewed by whatever team and their fans as just another player. He is the face of our franchise and likely will have a statue next to Johnny U out front of M&T.
I personally and a BIG Lewis fan and would be hurt to see him in another uniform but he has what maybe 2 years left? I believe Ray should realize what we (the Baltimore Ravens Organization and their Fans) have dont for him.

I agree we should just make a reasonable offer with the teams needs in mind for Lewis. and if he leaves through free agency(franchise tag for draft picks if possible) so be it. Id say keeping the younger players , Scott , Suggs and Leonard are a higher priority . If he leaves all the coaches have to say during training camp is "everyone says the ravens D will be nothing without Lewis" all the guys will step up and someone may even step up to Lewis's old role

I think Ray needs to remember that the only owner/team/city/fanbase that stood by him during his murder investigation and obstruction of justice case were here in Baltimore. He was hounded by "murderer" comments in every city he's played in even up until this season. So I may be in the minority, but, i say we let him walk if he's not willing to work with the team on a deal that helps the team. If he wants to be selfish, the let him go. We still have a solid defensive core in Haloti Ngata, Ed Reed, and Suggs.

Is Ray the Alpha and the Omega in the Ravens? His arrival started them to the Super Bowl. And will his leaving will signal the end of the Bowl run for many year to come?

By giving him a market plus multi year monster contract now, it could tear this team apart. Will there be any way we should expect the remaining guys to accept working for less and give management a "Ray Lewis discount" as they approach contract time?

Bischoti shot his mouth off and if he continues doing so it could be a really bad practice and come back to haunt him.

Best scenario - give Ray a one year deal (franchise if necessary.) Give him one more shot at the Super Bowl If he can't deliver it, then they haven' thrown away money and created another 4 or 5 years of "cap hell"

/Remember, Ray Ray "lead" the Ravens to only 1 Super Bowl in 11 seasons and we have to accept his leaving sometime,

If he only deliver talk,then let him walk!

I love Ray, but I wonder if the Ravens' should maybe go for Julius Peppers as their big money defensive guy.

One reality is Ray Lewis is still one of the best MLBs in the game after being the best at one time and perhaps the best of all time. He also has the ability of making those around him better.

The other reality is Ray Lewis will be 34 years old before he plays another game and last year was the first year for him to play all 16 regular season games since 2003. Life without Ray for the Ravens will be sooner rather than later no matter what.

Given the latter reality, Lewis's statements of wooing other franchises make fans feel betrayed. As such, they feel life without Ray can also start sooner rather than later. His statements certainly didn't set well with me.

But let's take those statements and place them to the side for the moment.

Lewis is at a point in his career when he could give another two or three years of quality play especially given his dedication to offseason training. There is also no certainty the Ravens have a defensive leader in waiting, and Ravens' fans know all too well how the lack of an offensive leader worked against them for years.

It is also true Lewis is at a point where he needs the right players around him to make him better, regardless with whom he is playing.

That leaves us with the question of what is a proper offer to Ray Lewis to stay with the Ravens.

The answer should probably take two lengths of time into consideration. One is how many years can the Ravens feel comfortable with Ray performing at a high level. The other is how many years should the contract be spread out so Lewis can be afforded for the long term should he be able to fulfill a contract to the max, or have the signing bonus absorbed if not.

My feeling is the answers are two and five years.

As for guaranteed money, the calculation is even more simple. If Lewis were to be franchised -- I know Steve Bisciotti said he wouldn't be franchised, and I agree with that notion -- he would probably make $8.3M. That is about the average of the top five LBs in the game and it would be more than a 20% raise, the other possible component to a franchised salary.

For the second year, Lewis would get a 20% raise as a minimum if he were re-franchised. Let's round that estimated figure to $10M.

The fair signing bonus for Ray Lewis is, therefore, $18.3M. He would also get a token salary for those first two years, and an escalating salary for the final three years should he remain productive.

The $18.3M should be cap-friendly enough to sign Terrell Suggs to a nice contract extension and perhaps keep another component or two (like Jason Brown and/or Jim Leonard). Bart Scott is likely gone unless both Brown and Leonard are overwhelmed from outside the organization.

If another team offers Lewis $19-21M (and assuming the Ravens do offer $18.3M) and he takes it, the fans of Baltimore then will know Ray was only about the money all along.

If another team offers more than $21M, that team is taking a risk and making a commitment the Ravens shouldn't. I, for one, would not blame Ray for taking that much extra money. After all, stupid money is as easily spent as any other money.

Baltimore Raven fans. We have to let him go. Change sometimes hurts. Out with the old, in with the new. We still have E-Money (Ed Reed)

Baltimore Ravens Fans. Out with the old, in with the new. Lets GO BABY 2009 Season!!!!!!!!

Bye Bye...loyalty matters. You don't have it...so go be a merc. See how that works out for you.

Let him go. The linebacker core is solid, and there's still leadership on that defense in Reed, Scott, and Suggs.

Scott is one of their best cover linebackers, and Suggs played his ass off last year, despite the training camp posturing.

Bart Scott also already took a pay cut to stay with the Ravens the last time he went into free agency. Compare that kind of loyalty with the BS "gamesmanship" that Lewis is spewing. If he cared more about Baltimore he'd take the team over his self-interest: we've lined his pockets enough.

We could keep a plethora of excellent free agents if we let Lewis walk. Preston thinks we should sign him to a 3-year 6-a-year contract, which is still absurd: Lewis has one, maybe two good seasons left at most.

I hope for the team that Bisciotti reneges on his promise to keep Lewis. We may not have as much leadership with him gone, but we'll certainly have more talent. I trust Ozzie. Steve is the x-factor here.

Team First - Go Ravens.

This Ray Lewis thing has gone too far. Yeah he's a good player, but he's a linebacker that doesn't get many sacks. The main parts of a good defense are (1) pass-rushers and (2) good defensive backs that can cover receivers till the pass rushers can get to the quarterback. That said, I thing the Ravens money is best spent on those two defensive positions and not an older media savy player like Ray Lewis.

SI is reporting that the Ravens are $19.4 million under the cap. Does anyone know if that figure takes Sugg's franchise tag number into account?

.............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I would think not, but don't know.

I dunno Pete, it's been a little while since you posted this, what do you think about Lewis' chances now with the rumors about Scott being signed?

And is it smart that we're not trying to hang on to Leonard? I remember Landry being *good*, but Leonard was a beast this season.

Don't blame you for moving on to the O's by the way, I'm getting really sick of this discussion, but patience is admittedly not one of my virtues.

..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Wouldn't surprise me if Lewis signs here relatively soon.

On Leonard:I think the issue is the two safeties drafted last year as much as it is about Landry.

I loved the way leonard played but irt makes sense he's not the focus.

As for Ray: The Ravens have more money and are closer to winning than the other teams in the hunt. At the same time, they are a team that has never overpayed a free agent. There's no reason to believe they will now.Unless he actively wants to leave, Ray will sign a fair deal here.

I love all of your remark Ray Ray BYE don't let the door hit you in the A$$ on the WAY OUT !!!!!!!
Yes am PISS !
Go play for the Pats we don't need you .I would rather go 1 and 15 next year !