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INDIANAPOLIS -- Just because DeMarcus Ware is quoted as saying Ray Lewis wants very badly to go to Dallas to play with the Cowboys, it's not necessarily the most accurate perspective on the Ravens' free agent linebacker.
It is highly probable Lewis talked to Ware about joining him in Dallas. He may have expressed great enthusiasm. But Lewis doesn't have to grovel for a job, doesn't have to chase after the next highest-paid defensive player in the NFL to secure an audience with Jerry Jones or the Cowboys. If Ray wanted to talk to them, he could, starting Friday.
Since Lewis only speaks to NFL Network about his plans, we are left to speculate about his motives. Obviously, to get the best contract, he's got to create some bidding. That requires some interest outside Baltimore. Talking about the Cowboys and Jets is the prudent thing to do.
But here's where all that breaks down for me: The Cowboys aren't going to pay him a huge signing bonus when they have to get Ware extended, and neither are the Jets. In either case, Bart Scott could be bought for less and last longer.
Asked about the bottom line on a Lewis deal this week, GM Ozzie Newsome said economics are always the biggest factor. And if Lewis wants the best payday he can get in the NFL right now, that's with the Ravens. He's worth more to them than anyone else.
I believe Lewis knows this. The Cowboys know this, as do the Jets. The Ravens do, too. That's why Newsome is optimistic about keeping Lewis. Unless Lewis really is so enamored with wearing the Cowboys' star on his helmet, it's unlikely he'll take a lesser deal.
As owner Steve Bisciotti said a while ago, the Ravens are willing to pay Lewis more than any other team. Lewis can bank on that.
Veteran NFL and Ravens writer Ken Murray is covering the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis for The Baltimore Sun. He will keep you updated on developments daily
Posted by Ken Murray on February 23, 2009 10:27 AM | Permalink
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2009/02/cautionary_tale_on_ray_lewis.html
It is highly probable Lewis talked to Ware about joining him in Dallas. He may have expressed great enthusiasm. But Lewis doesn't have to grovel for a job, doesn't have to chase after the next highest-paid defensive player in the NFL to secure an audience with Jerry Jones or the Cowboys. If Ray wanted to talk to them, he could, starting Friday.
Since Lewis only speaks to NFL Network about his plans, we are left to speculate about his motives. Obviously, to get the best contract, he's got to create some bidding. That requires some interest outside Baltimore. Talking about the Cowboys and Jets is the prudent thing to do.
But here's where all that breaks down for me: The Cowboys aren't going to pay him a huge signing bonus when they have to get Ware extended, and neither are the Jets. In either case, Bart Scott could be bought for less and last longer.
Asked about the bottom line on a Lewis deal this week, GM Ozzie Newsome said economics are always the biggest factor. And if Lewis wants the best payday he can get in the NFL right now, that's with the Ravens. He's worth more to them than anyone else.
I believe Lewis knows this. The Cowboys know this, as do the Jets. The Ravens do, too. That's why Newsome is optimistic about keeping Lewis. Unless Lewis really is so enamored with wearing the Cowboys' star on his helmet, it's unlikely he'll take a lesser deal.
As owner Steve Bisciotti said a while ago, the Ravens are willing to pay Lewis more than any other team. Lewis can bank on that.
Veteran NFL and Ravens writer Ken Murray is covering the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis for The Baltimore Sun. He will keep you updated on developments daily
Posted by Ken Murray on February 23, 2009 10:27 AM | Permalink
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2009/02/cautionary_tale_on_ray_lewis.html
