Schefter: Lewis is Done in B-more

[Hostile]

Ravens lose Scott to Jets; Lewis gone, too?

Posted: Adam Schefter

As if it weren’t bad enough to lose linebacker Bart Scott, now the Ravens are in serious jeopardy of losing free-agent linebacker Ray Lewis, too.

Sources close to Lewis were adamant Friday that one of the game’s greatest defensive players will not return to Baltimore and his career with the team is over.

For some reason, Lewis has been rubbed the wrong way in the lengthy negotiations that have occurred between he and the Ravens. Now, Lewis is determined to move on, even if there is no obvious suitor.

The Jets are expected to spend about $8 million per year on Scott, the Dallas Cowboys have insisted they will not be signing any high-profile free agents, and there are no other teams that, at the moment, jump out as potential landing spots for Lewis.

Thus, one of Lewis’ confidants was asked if it were possible that the Ravens now could change their linebacker’s mind. “Not if you knew Ray like I knew Ray,” was his response. He even mentioned retirement as a possibility ahead of returning to Baltimore and insisted it was not a negotiationg ploy. “That’s Ray,” the source said.

For now, Lewis plans to take a couple of days, ponder his plans and then come up with his gameplan. But his gameplan now does not include the Ravens, according to those who know him. Thus Baltimore could wind up losing Lewis to another team or retirement, Scott to the Jets, center Jason Brown to the Rams (Brown is scheduled to visit St. Louis) and cornerback Corey Ivy to the Jets.

Change came to this country in January and it looks like it’s coming to Baltimore as well.

 

[Romo2Dez4six]

Ravens lose Scott to Jets; Lewis gone, too?

Posted: Adam Schefter

As if it weren’t bad enough to lose linebacker Bart Scott, now the Ravens are in serious jeopardy of losing free-agent linebacker Ray Lewis, too.

Sources close to Lewis were adamant Friday that one of the game’s greatest defensive players will not return to Baltimore and his career with the team is over.

For some reason, Lewis has been rubbed the wrong way in the lengthy negotiations that have occurred between he and the Ravens. Now, Lewis is determined to move on, even if there is no obvious suitor.

The Jets are expected to spend about $8 million per year on Scott, the Dallas Cowboys have insisted they will not be signing any high-profile free agents, and there are no other teams that, at the moment, jump out as potential landing spots for Lewis.

Thus, one of Lewis’ confidants was asked if it were possible that the Ravens now could change their linebacker’s mind. “Not if you knew Ray like I knew Ray,” was his response. He even mentioned retirement as a possibility ahead of returning to Baltimore and insisted it was not a negotiationg ploy. “That’s Ray,” the source said.

For now, Lewis plans to take a couple of days, ponder his plans and then come up with his gameplan. But his gameplan now does not include the Ravens, according to those who know him. Thus Baltimore could wind up losing Lewis to another team or retirement, Scott to the Jets, center Jason Brown to the Rams (Brown is scheduled to visit St. Louis) and cornerback Corey Ivy to the Jets.

Change came to this country in January and it looks like it’s coming to Baltimore as well.

my wife is going to be pissed

 

[theebs]

come on jets sign him up!

Its going to be funny when the ravens replace both guys in one or two drafts like they always do. Ray is a great player and wont be replaced but I bet they find someone that is productive.

Its what I admire about Baltimore, pittsburgh, indy, philly, the pats....They are not afraid to lose people, they are not dictated to by their players and they believe in themselves enough to replace talented players with young talented players down the road.

 

[Bull Frog]

I just read that Denver is a more likely spot than Dallas or NY.

 

[Hypnotoad]

Well that's good to know. If Lewis is not coming back to Ravens out of spite, we can probably get him for slightly above whatever the Ravens are offering (assuming we want him).

 

[Q_the_man]

come on jets sign him up!

Its going to be funny when the ravens replace both guys in one or two drafts like they always do. Ray is a great player and wont be replaced but I bet they find someone that is productive.

Its what I admire about Baltimore, pittsburgh, indy, philly, the pats....They are not afraid to lose people, they are not dictated to by their players and they believe in themselves enough to replace talented players with young talented players down the road.

They Ravens will not find another Ray Ray, they will have an average defense if Ray leaves, it's like when the Cowboyz lost Irvin our whole identity was shot basically....

Ray would be a great sign here in Dallas, Period... His knowlenge along with his passion is PRICELESS..... I think players respect Ray more than the coaches and owners (sometimes)....Can u imagine Ray lighting a fire under Ware, James, Spencer, Ratliff and even RW if he stays....WOW.

 

[miamicowboy21]

Come on jerry swoop in and get him. He's upset and feels disrespected, that's the perfect time to strike.

 

[juck]

come on down rayray

 

[Hostile]

It would take a miracle for him to land here.

 

[theebs]

They Ravens will not find another Ray Ray, they will have an average defense if Ray leaves, it's like when the Cowboyz lost Irvin our whole identity was shot basically....

Ray would be a great sign here in Dallas, Period... His knowlenge along with his passion is PRICELESS..... I think players respect Ray more than the coaches and owners (sometimes)....Can u imagine Ray lighting a fire under Ware, James, Spencer, Ratliff and even RW if he stays....WOW.

No I cant not for a second.

I dont want that guy anywhere near this franchise.

 

[Romo2Dez4six]

before anyone flames this is a what if. What if out of spite he takes alot less money to come just to prove a point to Baltimore. I think it would be funny. JMO

 

[Doomsay]

Well that's good to know. If Lewis is not coming back to Ravens out of spite, we can probably get him for slightly above whatever the Ravens are offering (assuming we want him).

I wish that we had the above mentioned Baltimore/Pitt/Philly/NE model, but we don't. I'd rather plug the ILB hole with someone cheaper (not sure that we have a starter on the squad) and develop some younger talent.

But it would be very interesting to have Ray and TO on the same team. It might really polarize the defense + offense, but that would be better than what we have now as long as the 2 squads support themselves internally.

 

[Big Dakota]

come on jets sign him up!

Its going to be funny when the ravens replace both guys in one or two drafts like they always do. Ray is a great player and wont be replaced but I bet they find someone that is productive.

Its what I admire about Baltimore, pittsburgh, indy, philly, the pats....They are not afraid to lose people, they are not dictated to by their players and they believe in themselves enough to replace talented players with young talented players down the road.

I've said the same thing on here several times. Jerry doesn't know how to let go. Comes a time when you have to be smart, and giving a 34 year old man 30 million over 3 years doesn't make sense, unless you're Jery Jones.

 

[Tex]

I dont think he is going to get more money then Baltimore offered unless snyder pulls another pile of stupid money from his fanny. Not for a 34 year old linebacker.

The ONLY way he comes here is for a lot less money just because he wants to be a Cowboy supposedly. (yawn.... I'll believe that when I see it guys)

Ray was worth more money to Baltimore then anyone else. MAYBE there is a team that thinks they are ready for a SB run and needs a LB for a two year window. But I dont see that team right now.

Tex

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Even with this I'd still be shocked if we got him. Pleasantly shocked, but shocked none the less.

 

[speedkilz88]

Maybe Ray will ask Jerry for an incentive laden contract.

 

[Sonny#9]

It would take a miracle for him to land here.

You know, for leadership and someone to kick someone in the arse, there are few better then Lewis. And the Cowboys need that, badly.

However, I wonder how effective Lewis is now without Ngata and Gregg in front of him.

Did Baltimore run a 4-3/3-4 hybrid type defense correct? Or was it a strict 3-4?

For the record -- I am not overjoyed by the Haynesworth deal...reeks of Stubblefield...we shall see there

 

[This is Our Year]

come on jets sign him up!

Its going to be funny when the ravens replace both guys in one or two drafts like they always do. Ray is a great player and wont be replaced but I bet they find someone that is productive.

Its what I admire about Baltimore, pittsburgh, indy, philly, the pats....They are not afraid to lose people, they are not dictated to by their players and they believe in themselves enough to replace talented players with young talented players down the road.

The Jets won''t sign him. David Harris is a beast at ILB, now with him and Scott they are set.

 

[tvooz]

which team or teams would be truly interested in signing lewis? the demand just isn't there for a 34 yr old lb. he will have to take less.

 

[McCordsville Cowboy]

come on jets sign him up!

Its going to be funny when the ravens replace both guys in one or two drafts like they always do. Ray is a great player and wont be replaced but I bet they find someone that is productive.

Its what I admire about Baltimore, pittsburgh, indy, philly, the pats....They are not afraid to lose people, they are not dictated to by their players and they believe in themselves enough to replace talented players with young talented players down the road.

Ray is coming to Big D.... much to your delight.