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

 

[Hostile]

I could deal with Ray Ray better than you know who

What 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.