RUMOR: Ray Lewis wants to play in Dallas.

[BigTex]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/services/site/premium/access-registered.intercept (must have a membership)

According to a league source, the Ravens have been sending out "feelers" to gauge the interest in Pro Bowl middle linebacker Ray Lewis. We're not talking heavy-duty stuff here, but the word was out. Teams, though, might not want to trade for a player who is on the decline, is injury prone and has three years left on his contract worth $5.5 million next season and $6.5 million in 2007 and 2008.

In 2005, Lewis wasn't happy that the Ravens failed to restructure his contract, a move that would have given him significant upfront and guaranteed money. Because of this, Lewis became isolated and no longer wanted to be the face of the Ravens. He has remained silent since leaving the Bears game on Oct. 23 with a season-ending groin and hamstring injury, but it's well-known around the Ravens' training complex that Lewis would prefer to play elsewhere next season.

The ideal situation for Lewis would be to play for a team that is close to breaking through but lacks a veteran leader that could put it over the top. It needs to be a good fit, much like tight end Shannon Sharpe was for the Ravens in 2000. If Lewis remains here, it will be interesting to see how he interacts with his teammates after the Ravens sign safety Ed Reed to a lucrative, multi-year contract this offseason. The Ravens have become believers in Lewis' backup, Bart Scott, who also will become an unrestricted free agent.

This wasn't in the article but was mentioned by someone who is close to Ray:

"Ray wants to be traded to Dallas or Jacksonville during the offseason. At the time he was leaning towards Jax because of the then-uncertainty of Parcells returning in Dallas."

If this is true, how do you feel if Ray was to come to the team. I think his attitude is just what the defense need.

[Doomsday101]

Teams, though, might not want to trade for a player who is on the decline, is injury prone and has three years left on his contract worth $5.5 million next season and $6.5 million in 2007 and 2008.


That would be enough for me to shy away from him. I agree about Lewis hard nose additude but I think this is a buyer beware situation.

[BigTex]

Hello doomsday, the word is that if they (Ravens) can't work a trade (which they may not, as you've correctly stated) that they would release him.

I really do believe that he'll be released and I'm dreaming of him on this young defense. He'll bring something we haven't had since Michael left.

[Doomsday101]

Hello doomsday, the word is that if they (Ravens) can't work a trade (which they may not, as you've correctly stated) that they would release him.

I really do believe that he'll be released and I'm dreaming of him on this young defense. He'll bring something we haven't had since Michael left.

You spend money on performance not attitude. Mike did have attitude but without backing it up it is all talk and no one is paying 5.5 or 6 mil a year for talk. Lewis over the last few seasons has missed a lot of games and with10 years in the league already I doubt he is going to get back to his prime.

[Hostile]

Though he is on the decline a bit he si still a force to be reckoned with. he definitely fills the void left by Nguyen if he does indeed retire. Until he actually comes out and mentions Dallas I'll be skeptical. The Ravens will probably have to release him. I'd rather pick him up like that than make a trade for him as it would probably require a high pick unless Ellis or Glover are sought.

Ray Lewis and Roy Williams hitting people. Could be scary.

Sorry Yeager, I know the thought of this will turn your stomach.

[Kevlee06]

I dont think any team will pay him what he's making now. But him past his prime is still better than whats on the roster now (assuming he's healthy again). Lewis and James in the middle would look very good to me. At the right price.

[Doomsday101]

Though he is on the decline a bit he si still a force to be reckoned with. he definitely fills the void left by Nguyen if he does indeed retire. Until he actually comes out and mentions Dallas I'll be skeptical. The Ravens will probably have to release him. I'd rather pick him up like that than make a trade for him as it would probably require a high pick unless Ellis or Glover are sought.

Ray Lewis and Roy Williams hitting people. Could be scary.

Sorry Yeager, I know the thought of this will turn your stomach.

For the money he is asking for? The reason he would be released is because he is unhappy "Ravens failed to restructure his contract" At the right price I would not mind it but for 5 to 6 mill or more no way would I pay for someone past glory

[dannyboy]

for someone that is only 30 and was on pace for 125 tackles, I'd take him at the right price

Ware-Lewis-James-Peterson Look Out!

[junk]

Maybe they should look at this Bart Scott character.

[kingwhicker]

I'd pay him 2.5 mil a year- no more.

[SkinsandTerps]

I would stay away. He is going to want a hefty SB and at his age with nagging injuries, it doesnt seem like a worthy investment. Although John Lynch turned out well for the Broncos, so you never know.

[Cajuncowboy]

Don't want him.

Injuries + bad character = mucho problemo.

No Thanks. Let him be someone else headache.

[TLW47]

Nope. Pass on him.

[ravidubey]

That guy is a force, but even he admitted the 3-4 defense beat him up a little. He was at his best when he had two gigantic DT's clogging the middle in a 4-3 defense.

In other words, I'd take him in a heartbeat ;) .

[Yeagermeister]

Though he is on the decline a bit he si still a force to be reckoned with. he definitely fills the void left by Nguyen if he does indeed retire. Until he actually comes out and mentions Dallas I'll be skeptical. The Ravens will probably have to release him. I'd rather pick him up like that than make a trade for him as it would probably require a high pick unless Ellis or Glover are sought.

Ray Lewis and Roy Williams hitting people. Could be scary.

Sorry Yeager, I know the thought of this will turn your stomach.
I could deal with Ray Ray better than you know who :D

[Hostile]

I could deal with Ray Ray better than you know who :DWhat would you do if we ended up with both?

[superpunk]

Don't want him.

Injuries + bad character = mucho problemo.

No Thanks. Let him be someone else headache.

I realize he had legal problems, and who knows what went on there. But what else would lead you to believe he has character problems? He is IMO the ultimate teammate. Ed Reed wouldn't be half the playmaker he is if not for Ray. He pushes people, and he doesn't accept screw-ups. He is great.

[Wimbo]

I would like to see him in Dallas. He has a presence and attitude that we do not have. I love our defense, but our leaders are fairly mellow guys. Corny as it is sometimes, Ray's antics pump up those around him. I can recall several times this year that we needed that kind of boost. We have the money, and need to boost our ILB talent. Even if he is a part time player, he can be very valuable

[CrazyCowboy]

If they release Lewis and we do not have to over pay then I am for this move.

[wileedog]

That guy is a force, but even he admitted the 3-4 defense beat him up a little. He was at his best when he had two gigantic DT's clogging the middle in a 4-3 defense.

In other words, I'd take him in a heartbeat ;) .

I'd take him too if the price is right (read: not his current contract). But I too was under the impression he didn't like the 3-4, which kind of makes me doubt the validity of the rumor.

But I think he'd be "Parcells Guy" by the end of the first mini-camp.

[Doomsday101]

I would like to see him in Dallas. He has a presence and attitude that we do not have. I love our defense, but our leaders are fairly mellow guys. Corny as it is sometimes, Ray's antics pump up those around him. I can recall several times this year that we needed that kind of boost. We have the money, and need to boost our ILB talent. Even if he is a part time player, he can be very valuable

Only down side is he has missed 22 games in the last 4 years, what are we paying for? what he has done as of late or what he did a few years back? At a resonable price I would have no problem getting Lewis but for how much? the problem in Balt is he wants more money and I would say the question is, is he worth 6 or more mill a year?

[garrett316]

No thanks. He's been slipping for 3 years. The media still likes to hype him, but he's not a big time player anymore, plus he's on the wrong side of 30.

[1fisher]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/services/site/premium/access-registered.intercept (must have a membership)



This wasn't in the article but was mentioned by someone who is close to Ray:

"Ray wants to be traded to Dallas or Jacksonville during the offseason. At the time he was leaning towards Jax because of the then-uncertainty of Parcells returning in Dallas."

If this is true, how do you feel if Ray was to come to the team. I think his attitude is just what the defense need.

as long as he leaves that ignorant dance he does in Baltimore......... Nah, still wouldn't want him............:D

[REDVOLUTION]

Lets sign TO and Ray...
they can dance each others dance

:dance2: :dance2:

[JonJon]

I think I would rather have T.O. instead and take our chances with the draft. 5 mil+ seems a little hefty for a player his age considering his injuries. But I would take him if we could get him for under 2.5 mil. We could structure his contract for an addition 1.5 mil in incenitives if he is able to accumulate at least 7 sacks and 75 tackles. I would like him because of his experienced leadership and to mentor the younger LBs that seem to need guidance (Burnett in particular). He also has a mean streak that could ignight our often sleepy defense to me more aggressive...but like I said, only at the right price.

[Bungarian]

He hates the 3-4 defense

[chinch]

TO makes a whole lot more sense to me than Ray Lewis as his salary, age and injury rate (games missed).

[Yeagermeister]

What would you do if we ended up with both?
Hope that Ray Ray kicks his butt during mini camp :D

[Yeagermeister]

TO makes a whole lot more sense to me than Ray Lewis as his salary, age and injury rate (games missed).
TO doesn't make sense no matter how it's spun.

[followthestar]

Anyone who follows football knows there is not a brighter stage in the NFL than the Dallas Cowboys. It's like playing the Big Room. Ray would like that...
We are close, so close - and if you want to play for a contender, you could do worse than us. And the chance to play for a great coach like Parcells is a lure in itself. Ray would like that, too...
He fills a need, nobody will dispute that. His leadership and experience alone are worth millions to a young group learning under a new position coach, in just the second year of playing under a new scheme.
Ray would like coming here, I think. If we actually sat down and talked with him, I think they could work a deal - Jerry & Co. sell a good product. I would go for this, drafting a FS and another LB to fill our defensive needs, and then shift all my attention to the offense.

[demdcowboys#1]

Leadership, game changing plays, could mentor these young players we've got on this defense, and turn them into great players................I say HELL YEAH, Bring him in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CowboyFan74]

Nobody wanted TY Law and look how well he played for the Jets. With today's technology some of these injuries are nada...

[aznhalf]

Nobody wanted TY Law and look how well he played for the Jets. With today's technology some of these injuries are nada...

Ask Jets fans how well Law played. His stats are very misleading,

[Clove]

I would sign him to a lessor contract, lay it up with incentives, pick up his teammate DT - Maake Kemoeatu in FA - Draft Manny Lawson, and roll out a front 7 like this.
DT - Maake Kemoeatu - 6'5 350
DE - Marcus Spears - 6'4 305
DE - Chris Canty - 6'7 300
OLB - DeMarcus Ware - 6'4 258
OLB - Manny Lawson - 6'5 250
ILB - Bradie James - 6'2 250
ILB - Ray Lewis - 6'1 245

Forget about running or throwing the ball on us. Get er done Jurrah

[tyke1doe]

Nobody wanted TY Law and look how well he played for the Jets. With today's technology some of these injuries are nada...

That and the fact that cornerbacks don't take as much punishment as linebackers who are shedding the blocks of 300 pound linemen and are taking on backs running full stem.

Corners are either dragging backs down - not as stressing on the body - or defending receivers, who are easier to tackle because they aren't as heavy and especially if not catching the ball in stride.

Lewis would be intriguing, but I fear he'd be another A-Train, Eddie George type, someone we hire on past performance but who is just too old/slow/weak to do the job we need him to do.

[demdcowboys#1]

Cowboy_love, i say we just pick up Ray Lewis, not his teammate. Ferguson did pretty well clogging up the middle this year, why take him outta the lineup. I say we get Ray, just start Fujita, pick up Chavous, and have the entire defense looking like this.................
DT - Jason Ferguson
DE - Marcus Spears
DE - Chris Canty
OLB - DeMarcus Ware
OLB - Scott Fujita
ILB - Bradie James
ILB - Ray Lewis
CB - Terence Newman
CB - Anthony Henry
FS - Corey Chavous
SS - Roy Williams

Forget about running AND passing on us, that is a defense with #1 potential yall!!!!!!!!!

[Clove]

Cowboy_love, i say we just pick up Ray Lewis, not his teammate. Ferguson did pretty well clogging up the middle this year, why take him outta the lineup. I say we get Ray, draft Lawson, pick up Chavous, and have the entire defense looking like this.................
DT - Jason Ferguson
DE - Marcus Spears - 6'4 305
DE - Chris Canty - 6'7 300
OLB - DeMarcus Ware - 6'4 258
OLB - Manny Lawson - 6'5 250
ILB - Bradie James - 6'2 250
ILB - Ray Lewis - 6'1 245
CB - Terence Newman
CB - Anthony Henry
FS - Corey Chavous
SS - Roy Williams

Forget about running AND passing on us, that is a defense with #1 potential yall!!!!!!!!!You're making me get excited over here, but I promise you BP is not happy with his NT position right now. but he's going to address it cheaply though.

If he doesn't address it in FA, he's going to snag someone up late. But Ray Lewis on this defense who's already 10th in the league, would complete dominate team just in warm ups - teams would look over accross from us and just cry!

[Bob Sacamano]

I think I would rather have T.O. instead and take our chances with the draft. 5 mil+ seems a little hefty for a player his age considering his injuries. But I would take him if we could get him for under 2.5 mil. We could structure his contract for an addition 1.5 mil in incenitives if he is able to accumulate at least 7 sacks and 75 tackles. I would like him because of his experienced leadership and to mentor the younger LBs that seem to need guidance (Burnett in particular). He also has a mean streak that could ignight our often sleepy defense to me more aggressive...but like I said, only at the right price.

it may be just me, but I'd rather take a declining Ray Lewis, and overpay for him, instead of taking on the potential team headache of TO

at least Ray Lewis comes to play

[BigTex]

:lmao2: You're making me get excited over here, but I promise you BP is not happy with his NT position right now. but he's going to address it cheaply though.

If he doesn't address it in FA, he's going to snag someone up late. But Ray Lewis on this defense who's already 10th in the league, would complete dominate team just in warm ups - teams would look over accross from us and just cry!

That defense would raise so much hell it's not funny.

[Bob Sacamano]

and for the record, not saying overpay for Ray Lewis, just for comparison's sake

and btw, Ray Lewis is bigger than Dat, so it probably doesn't matter how big you are, you're going to get beat up playing MLB in the 3-4, and someone posted somewhere already, that the leadership Ray could bring to the LBs and this D would be crucial, noone else on D can call plays like Dat could, now he's gone, who do we have? need someone like Ray Ray manning the middle

[tyke1doe]

it may be just me, but I'd rather take a declining Ray Lewis, and overpay for him, instead of taking on the potential team headache of TO

at least Ray Lewis comes to play

Well, TO comes to play too. That was never the knock on him.

You just have to play his off-the-field head games and that's too much coming to play.

[Zaxor]

Unless he has been holding back on the ravens this guy is close to being done

[Cajuncowboy]

I realize he had legal problems, and who knows what went on there. But what else would lead you to believe he has character problems? He is IMO the ultimate teammate. Ed Reed wouldn't be half the playmaker he is if not for Ray. He pushes people, and he doesn't accept screw-ups. He is great.

I don't need abything else to lead me to believe this. The guy was involved in a murder but gets off because he is Ray Lewis and his pals whom he was with at the time are in jail. That is a pretty big character problem to me. But hey, he can tackle. :rolleyes:

[superpunk]

I don't need abything else to lead me to believe this. The guy was involved in a murder but gets off because he is Ray Lewis and his pals whom he was with at the time are in jail. That is a pretty big character problem to me. But hey, he can tackle. :rolleyes:

Do you pass judgement on everyone like that? I have no idea what went on there, or to what extent he was involved. I doubt anyone but Ray Lewis really knows that, and that's something he'll live and die with. From what I remember, there was no real concrete evidence to tie him to it whatsoever. I don't see how you can take a hardline stance like that while only having a cursory knowledge of the situation.

[Maikeru-sama]

Do we really want to spend this type of money on aging player?

He has missed 22 Games in 4 Seasons, has alot of miles already on him, and he will want to be paid like he is the 2000 Version of himself (most players think this way).

I trust Big Bill's eye when scouting for defensive talent in the draft and Free Agency. I say we make a pass on Ray Lewis.

Nah...I dont want to pay that much for leadership and guidance.

- Mike G.

[Maikeru-sama]

I don't need abything else to lead me to believe this. The guy was involved in a murder but gets off because he is Ray Lewis and his pals whom he was with at the time are in jail. That is a pretty big character problem to me. But hey, he can tackle. :rolleyes:

How much evidence are you privy to in this case? Dont you think they would have at least tried to prosecute the guy because of his high profile?

Now if you would have said, "He was not convicted because he was Ray Lewis", I would agree with you, but alot of DAs would love to try someone of his profile as it is media attention and that would help them get re-elected.

But they didnt have enough evidence to tie him to the murder and he ultimately became the one of the main witnesses for the prosecution.

Im sure the guy knows what happened and committed the murders but that doesnt make him one.

Dont judge or you yourself might be judged one day.....:p:

[Bob Sacamano]

Do we really want to spend this type of money on aging player?

I wouldn't, but on the otherhand, I'm not waving nothing in his face

[Maikeru-sama]

I wouldn't, but on the otherhand, I'm not waving nothing in his face


When I say "we", im speaking of the organization, of course no one here is spending any money :rolleyes: .

- Mike G.

[Jarv]

I'm not really interested in Lewis to Dallas. Injuries and age have taken their toll...

[Bob Sacamano]

When I say "we", im speaking of the organization, of course no one here is spending any money :rolleyes: .

- Mike G.

yeah, that's it, I'm talking about giving Ray Lewis 20 mil of my own money...

but do you agree with the premise I gave you, that we at least offer him a competitive salary, instead of chump change? or are you totally against the idea

[Qwickdraw]

didnt Ray Lewis dislike playing in a 3-4?

[Maikeru-sama]

yeah, that's it, I'm talking about giving Ray Lewis 20 mil of my own money...

but do you agree with the premise I gave you, that we at least offer him a competitive salary, instead of chump change? or are you totally against the idea


Sure.

Make him an offer that would fit our budget and see if he will bite on it. The thing is, he has already won a Super Bowl, so I think he would want to go to a team that will pay him the most money.

Besides, we would have to give up something for him if there is a trade (which I am assuming they will not release him) and I am not sure what the Ravens would want in return.

- Mike G.

[big dog cowboy]

Injuries, age, salary...........it all adds up to a NO for me.

[Future]

I don't need abything else to lead me to believe this. The guy was involved in a murder but gets off because he is Ray Lewis and his pals whom he was with at the time are in jail. That is a pretty big character problem to me. But hey, he can tackle. :rolleyes:

character shmaracter

ray lew in the middle with an attitude would be absolutely perfect for this defense IMO. ware, james, lewis, burnett/fujita...i think thats the best our D can realistically be next year

im all for bringin him here...if the price is right!

[FLcowboy]

Just how injury prone is he? The Cowboys had enough linebackers injured this year. Why add another to the hospital ward.

[JonJon]

At the VERY least, he would provide LB depth, something that is always good. aLso, if Dallas is intent on bringing in old veteran LBs, I would much rather it be Ray Lewis instead of some guy that hasn't played since 2002 and has been sitting on his couch ever since.

Even if his play time is limited, he will add aggressiveness to the defense when he is on the field. He is a firecracker, and only needs a small spark to blow up.

Our current defense is good, but is too sleepy. The players tend to react instead of making a play happen. My stomach hurt when I saw a lesser defense talent wise (IMO) in Seattle dominate Carolina with its aggressive play. Those guys made plays instead of waiting for something to happen. That is the kind of defense that wins championships and Ray Lewis is a player that can bring that fire to Dallas.

[Hailskins]

Although he is getting older, with his veteran leadership, Ray can still be an impact player on any team. With Ray in the line up, your defensive front, Roy Williams and good corners... man, that sounds promising. I'm sure a lot of offense would not want to see that.

[jbsg02]

I think the odds are VERY slim that Ray Lewis is a cowboy next year

[Billy Bullocks]

He hated the 3-4 in Baltimore because he had to take on guards...that's probably a reason he wouldnt be coming here.

OLB is a more striking need IMO than ILB...James will be even better next year.

[wileedog]

OLB is a more striking need IMO than ILB...James will be even better next year.

James will be better, but I'm not sold that Shanle/Fowler are anything more than decent depth, and Burnett still hasn't officially been moved inside yet.

I'd take a premium player at either spot and be happy about it (Although I agree I doubt Lewis is coming here)

[JIGGYFLY]

I don't need abything else to lead me to believe this. The guy was involved in a murder but gets off because he is Ray Lewis and his pals whom he was with at the time are in jail. That is a pretty big character problem to me. But hey, he can tackle. :rolleyes:
Actually Ray ended up being a witness for the prosecution and nobody was convicted in the case so nobody is in jail but whats the need for facts when you can just make it up as you go:rolleyes: