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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/22/AR2007022200978.html
By Rich Campbell
Special to The Washington Post
Thursday, February 22, 2007; 2:36 PM
The Baltimore Ravens will not designate all-pro linebacker Adalius Thomas their franchise player before today's 4 p.m. deadline, a decision that significantly increases the likelihood that his seven-year tenure with the team has ended.
Thomas could still return to the Ravens if the two sides agree on a new contract, but he will hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent on March 2 if a deal with Baltimore is not reached before then.
"We have decided not to 'franchise' Adalius Thomas," General Manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. "Our hope is that we can re-sign him. Our plan is to compete at a championship level in 2007 and beyond."
If Thomas, who will turn 30 in August, becomes a free agent, he would be one of the most coveted players at any position in this year's free-agent class. He earned a base salary of $1.465 million last season but is expected to command a hefty multi-year contract on the open market, including a signing bonus of at least $12 million.
Baltimore, however, is only about $3 million under the salary cap next season and may not have the financial flexibility to compete with potential suitors that do, such as San Francisco and Cleveland.
The Ravens could create some cap space by cutting running back Jamal Lewis, who is scheduled to make $5 million in base salary next season and a $5 million roster bonus next month. But that might not be enough to re-sign Thomas along with other free agents and the upcoming rookie class.
If the Ravens succeed in re-signing Thomas, they would retain all 11 starters from last year's top-ranked defense that led the team to a 13-3 finish and a bye in the first round of the AFC playoffs. They would also return four starting linebackers who garnered Pro Bowl invitations this season.
Thomas's versatility has been a major asset for Baltimore's 3-4 scheme. The Ravens' sixth-round draft pick in 2000 finished second on the team last season in sacks (11) and third in tackles (83) in 16 games.
By Rich Campbell
Special to The Washington Post
Thursday, February 22, 2007; 2:36 PM
The Baltimore Ravens will not designate all-pro linebacker Adalius Thomas their franchise player before today's 4 p.m. deadline, a decision that significantly increases the likelihood that his seven-year tenure with the team has ended.
Thomas could still return to the Ravens if the two sides agree on a new contract, but he will hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent on March 2 if a deal with Baltimore is not reached before then.
"We have decided not to 'franchise' Adalius Thomas," General Manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. "Our hope is that we can re-sign him. Our plan is to compete at a championship level in 2007 and beyond."
If Thomas, who will turn 30 in August, becomes a free agent, he would be one of the most coveted players at any position in this year's free-agent class. He earned a base salary of $1.465 million last season but is expected to command a hefty multi-year contract on the open market, including a signing bonus of at least $12 million.
Baltimore, however, is only about $3 million under the salary cap next season and may not have the financial flexibility to compete with potential suitors that do, such as San Francisco and Cleveland.
The Ravens could create some cap space by cutting running back Jamal Lewis, who is scheduled to make $5 million in base salary next season and a $5 million roster bonus next month. But that might not be enough to re-sign Thomas along with other free agents and the upcoming rookie class.
If the Ravens succeed in re-signing Thomas, they would retain all 11 starters from last year's top-ranked defense that led the team to a 13-3 finish and a bye in the first round of the AFC playoffs. They would also return four starting linebackers who garnered Pro Bowl invitations this season.
Thomas's versatility has been a major asset for Baltimore's 3-4 scheme. The Ravens' sixth-round draft pick in 2000 finished second on the team last season in sacks (11) and third in tackles (83) in 16 games.