"If you don't play less, you don't take less"

[glorydays]

This quote from Ray-Ray got me thinking...


"I don't play less," Lewis told the NFL Network in Hawaii, where he will play in the Pro Bowl. "If you don't play less, you don't take less. That's just life."

... now, I must admit - the baseball analyst side of my brain immediately said: "Well, let him go. He'll never play at the level that the dollars that he wants. He is a typical player playing over his head in the last year of his contract."

But than my lesser football analyst side of my brain started to chime in - and in the end, it won the arguement.

In football, if you play less, you get hurt, benched or released. You have a much more difficult time of just getting by on talent alone or saving it for your contract years. And unless you pocess the type of talent that Randy Moss has, a team has no problem throwing your butt out on the road -see Sam Adams. Players rarely play til the last year of their contract. Larger contracts are often restructured or if a player isn't good enough, he can get cut before his contract expires. Therefore, last year's Ray Lewis was not atypical of what Ray-Ray is capable of at his age...

And here is where my football side of the brain won the arguement - Ray has not played less... he plays harder than any other player in the NFL. In baseball, when you play hard, you run out ground balls, slide hard into second, dive for every ground ball and get your uniform dirty. You are considered a gamer and many gamers don't have the talent but the desire. Ray has earned every single penny he has played for because he has both talent and desire and to be honest - he has outplayed his expiring contract for the Ravens.

Ray Lewis wants to win as much as he wants to make another truck-load of money but he wants to be respected and that = $$. I see no problem with that. Therefore, IMO the Ravens owe him a final big fat daddy contract. They need to go to Ray and say "we want to give you a 3-year contract - you tell us what you want to be paid." And I think that will go a long way to earn the respect that Ray is looking for. And perhaps, if negotiated from this point of view, Ray will ask for less than what he could get from the Jets or Cowboys and end up leading the Ravens to another Super Bowl.

[TJ Wrangler]

This quote from Ray-Ray got me thinking...



... now, I must admit - the baseball analyst side of my brain immediately said: "Well, let him go. He'll never play at the level that the dollars that he wants. He is a typical player playing over his head in the last year of his contract."

But than my lesser football analyst side of my brain started to chime in - and in the end, it won the arguement.

In football, if you play less, you get hurt, benched or released. You have a much more difficult time of just getting by on talent alone or saving it for your contract years. And unless you pocess the type of talent that Randy Moss has, a team has no problem throwing your butt out on the road -see Sam Adams. Players rarely play til the last year of their contract. Larger contracts are often restructured or if a player isn't good enough, he can get cut before his contract expires. Therefore, last year's Ray Lewis was not atypical of what Ray-Ray is capable of at his age...

And here is where my football side of the brain won the arguement - Ray has not played less... he plays harder than any other player in the NFL. In baseball, when you play hard, you run out ground balls, slide hard into second, dive for every ground ball and get your uniform dirty. You are considered a gamer and many gamers don't have the talent but the desire. Ray has earned every single penny he has played for because he has both talent and desire and to be honest - he has outplayed his expiring contract for the Ravens.

Ray Lewis wants to win as much as he wants to make another truck-load of money but he wants to be respected and that = $$. I see no problem with that. Therefore, IMO the Ravens owe him a final big fat daddy contract. They need to go to Ray and say "we want to give you a 3-year contract - you tell us what you want to be paid." And I think that will go a long way to earn the respect that Ray is looking for. And perhaps, if negotiated from this point of view, Ray will ask for less than what he could get from the Jets or Cowboys and end up leading the Ravens to another Super Bowl.

You must have a really smart baseball half of the brain.

[Miller192]

You must have a really smart baseball half of the brain.

LOL....that was funny!

[glorydays]

You must have a really smart baseball half of the brain.

lol... or the football side is just brain dead... :)

[Sports Guy]

LOL....that was funny!

True or false...Ray will re-sign with us.

[Miller192]

True or false...Ray will re-sign with us.

I think he will.

I don't buy into anything he is saying in these interviews. Ray has never handled contract negotiations well.

Again, I don't know what sort of numbers yet we are going to put out there. I do know that there hasn't been any contact with the Ravens and himself and the Ravens will not franchise him.

As I said before, I don't think Ray is going to give anyone a hometown discount. If a team wants to overpay for him then so be it, we're not going to pay Ray a ridiculous amount of money because he is Ray Lewis.

I think we will give him a fair deal and there's some behind the scenes things that will keep him here. At the end of the day, I think he stays.....again, I don't know what other teams are going to do.

[Sports Guy]

I think he will.

I don't buy into anything he is saying in these interviews. Ray has never handled contract negotiations well.

Again, I don't know what sort of numbers yet we are going to put out there. I do know that there hasn't been any contact with the Ravens and himself and the Ravens will not franchise him.

As I said before, I don't think Ray is going to give anyone a hometown discount. If a team wants to overpay for him then so be it, we're not going to pay Ray a ridiculous amount of money because he is Ray Lewis.

I think we will give him a fair deal and there's some behind the scenes things that will keep him here. At the end of the day, I think he stays.....again, I don't know what other teams are going to do.

Yea, I feel the same way.

Ultimately, if the Cowboys put well over 20 million in guaranteed money out there, you have to let Ray go...I hate to say that and if we didn't have a salary cap, i would give him whatever but you have to be smart about it.

[TJ Wrangler]

LOL....that was funny!


lol... or the football side is just brain dead... :)

All in good fun. I was worried everyone would find it stupid.

[Dipper9]

Yea, I feel the same way.

Ultimately, if the Cowboys put well over 20 million in guaranteed money out there, you have to let Ray go...I hate to say that and if we didn't have a salary cap, i would give him whatever but you have to be smart about it.

Ray loves Baltimore, there is no doubt in that statement. However, just like Favre, and Emmitt, and Montana, and Rice, and even Johnny U, I have a feeling that Ray is going to be ending his career in another uniform, probably either the Jets or Cowboys. If I had to guess, I'd say Ray is the main attraction at the New Dallas Stadium next year.

[Hank Scorpio]

True or false...Ray will re-sign with us.

If Ray re-signs with us, I think the deal will either be backloaded or he'll be leaving money on the table elsewhere.

At this point, from what I have heard, I would be surprised if Ray is back.

I'm not making some grand proclamation, things can change. But we'll need some give from Ray to make this happen IMO.

[RHall31]

I think what it will all come down to with Ray is, do they offer him for how they think he'll play in the future, or how he's played in the past. Ray probably
believes he'll be the best inside linebacker in football for the next 4 years.
If the Ravens offer him that kind of money, they're nuts!

[McLovin]

Dallas or any other team would be crazy to break the bank for Lewis. If they do, good for him, let's move on. We'll have to someday anyway.

Remember when TO was coming to town? The media kept saying 'Ray Lewis will keep him in line.' TO eventually came out and said "I'm a grown ass man, no one is going to control me", or something to that effect. Lewis is going to command some respect wherever he goes, sure. But his whole leadership spiel is only going to play well in Baltimore. He already owns this team. If he goes somewhere else, it's going to be 51 egos vs. Ray.

[The Rick]

Dallas or any other team would be crazy to break the bank for Lewis. If they do, good for him, let's move on. We'll have to someday anyway.

Remember when TO was coming to town? The media kept saying 'Ray Lewis will keep him in line.' TO eventually came out and said "I'm a grown ass man, no one is going to control me", or something to that effect. Lewis is going to command some respect wherever he goes, sure. But his whole leadership spiel is only going to play well in Baltimore. He already owns this team. If he goes somewhere else, it's going to be 51 egos vs. Ray.

I think this is a fair argument, I just don't think I buy it. T.O. is not and never will be a "grown ass man". At least not between his ears. He's a complete fool and would be a moron not to respect Ray Lewis.

I really think a defensive unit would love to play with Ray Lewis and anoint him their captain. Matched with particular personalities, sure, I could see this not working too well. But not everyone is like T.O.

BTW - Thanks Miller for the update, as always!

[NewMarketSean]

Ray would have totally kept TO in check. TO is a teddy bear with a mouth. If Ray Ray came at him in the locker room TO would have probably cried naked and then said "yes Ray, whatever you want me to do I'll do it. Thank you sir."

[Dipper9]

Dallas or any other team would be crazy to break the bank for Lewis. If they do, good for him, let's move on. We'll have to someday anyway.

Remember when TO was coming to town? The media kept saying 'Ray Lewis will keep him in line.' TO eventually came out and said "I'm a grown ass man, no one is going to control me", or something to that effect. Lewis is going to command some respect wherever he goes, sure. But his whole leadership spiel is only going to play well in Baltimore. He already owns this team. If he goes somewhere else, it's going to be 51 egos vs. Ray.

Exactly! Ray will be an outsider in the locker room, just like Favre was this year for the Jets. Players don't like the big time superstar coming into "their" locker room and trying to take control. Sharpe said it best, and I paraphrase..."In Baltimore, you are RAY LEWIS, everywhere else you are number 52."


Edit: My next post is number 5555....gotta make it a good one.

[biggsy]

Dallas or any other team would be crazy to break the bank for Lewis. If they do, good for him, let's move on. We'll have to someday anyway.

Remember when TO was coming to town? The media kept saying 'Ray Lewis will keep him in line.' TO eventually came out and said "I'm a grown ass man, no one is going to control me", or something to that effect. Lewis is going to command some respect wherever he goes, sure. But his whole leadership spiel is only going to play well in Baltimore. He already owns this team. If he goes somewhere else, it's going to be 51 egos vs. Ray.

I agree, but, does Ray Lewis look at it that way. I don't think he does. I think he feels that he'll be the unquestioned leader with whatever team he ends up with, based on his past accomplishments. And with a team like the Jets, he might be. But with a vetran laden team like the Cowboys, I doubt it'll go down that way. You'd have Zach Thomas, Terrance Newman, Roy Williams, DaMarcus Ware and so on and so on, that is just on the defensive side.

I personally think Ray would be stupid to go anywhere else. In Baltimore he has complete control. If he doesn't like the way something is going, he can speak up and it more then likely will get changed to his liking. And on top of that, no one will question his leadership. All 50+ eyes on the team will be looking right at him and no one else.

As for if Ray leaves town for another team, replacing his production on the field will be easier then replacing his leadership on and off of it. But with that said, if he bolts, I think you see Ed Reed, Suggs, Mason or another vetran to step into his leadership role.

[Old#5fan]

I wonder why the Ravens have not had any contact with him yet on this? Why would they wait until the last minute? What do they gain by doing this? Why aren't they sitting down with him right now and making him an offer he cannot refuse?:confused::eektf::rolleyestf:

[clapdiddy]

I wonder why the Ravens have not had any contact with him yet on this? Why would they wait until the last minute? What do they gain by doing this? Why aren't they sitting down with him right now and making him an offer he cannot refuse?:confused::eektf::rolleyestf:

Likely because they aren't in a position to do that. I think Suggs and Brown are more important to this team right now, and they are going to have to figure out a way to pay both of them first.

[Bosibus]

Is this situation reminding you of Mussina?

[Old#5fan]

Is this situation reminding you of Mussina?

No, Ray is way more important a cog than Mussina. Even if the Orioles kept Mussina they still would not have been a contender. Not so with the Ravens.

[Bosibus]

No, Ray is way more important a cog than Mussina. Even if the Orioles kept Mussina they still would not have been a contender. Not so with the Ravens.

I am not putting words into your mouth but are you insisting that if we do not sign Ray Lewis, we are not a contender? I do not see him as that important if we can use that money to upgrade other areas on the field.

But, I was more referring to as the "hometown discount" and the player wanting the money.

[Burg]

I wonder why the Ravens have not had any contact with him yet on this? Why would they wait until the last minute? What do they gain by doing this? Why aren't they sitting down with him right now and making him an offer he cannot refuse?:confused::eektf::rolleyestf:

Quite simply, because there are other players who are more important to the Ravens at this time than Ray Lewis.

Scott, Suggs, and Brown all have more value to the Ravens going forward than Ray Lewis does.

[Hank Scorpio]

Is this situation reminding you of Mussina?

Completely different ballgame, IMO.

We legitimately can't afford Ray due to other needs. The only way I could see them ironing something out is if they could somehow guarantee him a huge number under next year's contract due to the non-capped year.

Of course, Jerry Jones could do the same thing.

[Old#5fan]

Quite simply, because there are other players who are more important to the Ravens at this time than Ray Lewis.

Scott, Suggs, and Brown all have more value to the Ravens going forward than Ray Lewis does.

Suggs, maybe, but not the other two. If they don't sign Ray I truly expect them to not even make the playoffs next year. Losing Rex and Ray is like losing the total on and off field coaches of that defense. They quickly become very ordinary in a hurry IMO.

[Old#5fan]

I am not putting words into your mouth but are you insisting that if we do not sign Ray Lewis, we are not a contender? I do not see him as that important if we can use that money to upgrade other areas on the field.

But, I was more referring to as the "hometown discount" and the player wanting the money.

The Ravens are a contender with Ray, but I think without him that defense is arguably marginally good instead of exceptionally good. He is still the mainstay of that D period. It would be like removing Harrison from the Stealers, maybe worse!

[Miller192]

Completely different ballgame, IMO.

We legitimately can't afford Ray due to other needs. The only way I could see them ironing something out is if they could somehow guarantee him a huge number under next year's contract due to the non-capped year.

Of course, Jerry Jones could do the same thing.

The uncapped year is going to be more difficult to give players big money. It's 2012 that things could really get ugly.

Teams can't spend a ton of money in the uncapped year, there are parameters in place to prevent that outside of the CBA.

What the players also have to understand is that if a cap goes away so does the floor.

[Old#5fan]

The uncapped year is going to be more difficult to give players big money. It's 2012 that things could really get ugly.

Teams can't spend a ton of money in the uncapped year, there are parameters in place to prevent that outside of the CBA.

What the players also have to understand is that if a cap goes away so does the floor.

How is it that with the salary cap Dallas is still always seemingly able to sign all these high priced players? Surely, they would seem to be in perpetual cap trouble. How could they possibly afford Ray Lewis? :confused:The Ravens have to have a much lower payroll than the Cowboys!:scratchchinhmm:

[Miller192]

How is it that with the salary cap Dallas is still always seemingly able to sign all these high priced players? Surely, they would seem to be in perpetual cap trouble. How could they possibly afford Ray Lewis? :confused:The Ravens have to have a much lower payroll than the Cowboys!:scratchchinhmm:

Dallas structures their contracts similar to what the Ravens did with Todd Heap.

They also do what the Redskins do by converting some salaries to roster bonuses.

[Old#5fan]

Dallas structures their contracts similar to what the Ravens did with Todd Heap.

They also do what the Redskins do by converting some salaries to roster bonuses.

Why don't the Ravens do more of these things if it works for Dallas and Washington?:scratchchinhmm:

[glorydays]

Why don't the Ravens do more of these things if it works for Dallas and Washington?:scratchchinhmm:

Why would we want to do anything that Dallas or Washington does? They top the dysfunctual franchise list year in and out.

[Miller192]

Why don't the Ravens do more of these things if it works for Dallas and Washington?:scratchchinhmm:

It's two different philosophies. Dallas try to sell tickets as much as they do to win games.

They believe the key to winning is acquiring top talent through trades and FA.

[ccbird]

It's two different philosophies. Dallas try to sell tickets as much as they do to win games.

They believe the key to winning is acquiring top talent through trades and FA.

Miller,

Has the exclusive rights period where we are allowed to negotiating and potentially re-signing our players begun yet??? And when does the overall free agency period begin??....... I prefer to keep Ray at the right price but my biggest concern is Suggs and Brown and we haven't really heard anything about them being close to locked up. I don't want those guys to hit the free agent market.

[JohnnyK27]

According to Fox 45 morning news today that negotiations with Ray's agent & Ozzie should happen next week.

[Miller192]

Miller,

Has the exclusive rights period where we are allowed to negotiating and potentially re-signing our players begun yet??? And when does the overall free agency period begin??....... I prefer to keep Ray at the right price but my biggest concern is Suggs and Brown and we haven't really heard anything about them being close to locked up. I don't want those guys to hit the free agent market.

Yes, we can negotiate with our own players and we have until the 19th to designate a franchise or transition tag.

Free agency formally begins on the 27th this year I think and it will end for all of our guys on the first day of training camp.

I think Suggs will get franchised with an extension coming prior to training camp. They got close the last time around and both sides will have a better feel for what his market value will be.

The team will keep Ray around but they won't bid against themselves. I think Ray's signing could drag out some. This is his last contract so they aren't going to be quick with anything.

If you held a gun to my head and asked me to make a guess on Brown, I'd say he leaves. He's looking for a lot of money and his agent is planning on making several pitches to other teams. If he doesn't get that money, then he'll probably be back. I don't think the team is valuing him as much as some on here.

[Mitch Connor]

Why don't the Ravens do more of these things if it works for Dallas and Washington?:scratchchinhmm:

Neither one of those teams have done much in the playoffs in the past 10 years, so I would hardly say the are the model to use. The Ravens and Ozzie have a good structure in place for building/developing a TEAM.

[JohnnyK27]

I also believe Biscotti said that the Ravens werent going to bid against themselves. They dont believe Ray will get the big money offer he thinks he will. And if he does they will do what it takes to keep him. I'd pay him a roster bonus of $20mil & offer him $2 million per year for 3 years.

[xKHx]

Can Miller Or hank confirm this?

http://wnst.net/wordpress/drewforrester/2009/02/16/ravens-in-the-no-budge-zone-with-ray/


20mill for a signing bonus is nuts for a 34 year old mlb. I think total deal 24 mil is not bad.

[JohnnyK27]

Can Miller Or hank confirm this?

http://wnst.net/wordpress/drewforrester/2009/02/16/ravens-in-the-no-budge-zone-with-ray/


20mill for a signing bonus is nuts for a 34 year old mlb. I think total deal 24 mil is not bad.

If most of that 20 million doesn't count against the cap all is good:D