Biscotti Wants New Deal For Ray

[Raven07]

Team Owner Steve Biscotti wants Pro Bowl Linebacker Ray Lewis to sign an extension onto his contract to keep him in Baltimore. Biscotti, Ray, and Team officals are enaged in extension talk's.

..." PALM BEACH, Fla. - Ray Lewis is entering the final year of his contract, but the Ravens still envision the Pro Bowl linebacker in the team's future.

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said the team is in "open dialogue" with Lewis on a contract extension and would actively pursue him if he reaches free agency...."

read more about it here

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/footbal...0,7168960.story

[FerrariFan87]

That's great, BUT I would rather lock up T-Sizzle long-term first, then focus on Ray later.

[Guest Birdfan]

Depending on how they work Ray's extension, they could restructure this year and open up more cap space to resign Suggs. This could be a win-win-win for everyone.

[theFRANCHISE]

That's great, BUT I would rather lock up T-Sizzle long-term first, then focus on Ray later.

Agreed.

BUT...if locking up Ray Lewis long-term also creates cap space for this season, then I'm all for it. Especially if that cap space goes towards spending a little bit on a long-term deal for Terrell Suggs.

Either way...since Ray's my idol, I can't help but be happy if Ozzie is able to get him to sign a new deal that'll keep him in Baltimore until he retires.

[Raven07]

i would think that the Ravens as a whole, will be smart about this sitaution and figure out a way in which, it doesnt really prove to be all that costly for the team, but more so.....extending that pay over an extended period of time...not piling it all into 1-2 years....make it long term so that the option is there to choose the best possible decsion.

[minford]

Yeah, I can't imagine watching the Ravens w/ another middle linebacker! I believe that the Ravens will give him a fair offer and he'll accept. I don't think Ray is that money-hungry anymore and he has too much pride in his defense to leave it for another team.

I also like how we're getting a 3rd round pick (99th overall) out of the compensatory draft pick selection. If you recall from the latest Byrne Identity that we got all our players we ranked in the top 100 last year, then this is clearly a good sign; guarenteeing us another pick in our top 100.

[Raven07]

and even if we dont reach a deal by the time this season ends (which i feel they most certainly will).....there are reports like that of the Baltimore Sun...in which reports that the Ravens more than likely..IF Ray enter's free agency.....going to out-match any offer by the other team out there. and for good reason..seeing how Ray is such a valuable guy to have...such an inspirational leader....

[smashmouth]

This is great news, Ray Lewis deserves to retire a Raven, and if it opens more cap space then it's a win- win all the way around.

[Raven07]

yea i agree......to lokc up a player and an athlete such as a guy like Ray Lewis....is a key situation here because Ray's been the Corner stone of this defense....he is the heart and soul of it....he's the infamous Leader and un-relinquishing competitor on which This defense of Baltimore Prides itself over....

[ragnorok99]

Hope this gets done--I'm well aware he has to retire someday, but hopefully it's many years from now, and in a Ravens uniform.

[Bleeding Purple]

I assumed this would be the case. Bisciotti knows how much Ray means to Baltimore. I don't foresee this taking until the end of the season to work out. Although Ray is completely professional and has said that if he had to play for another team, he would, I think that if asked directly, he would want to stay in Baltimore. Also, I think he definitely has a few years left in him, and he thinks so too, so he wouldn't only be looking for huge, one-year contract. But, even if he does make if to free agency, I fully expect to see Ray Lewis in a Baltimore uniform next year.

[neepo13]

I wouldnt be at all surprised if a deal is worked out before the draft. We want Ray back, Ray wants to be back and has already had his big payday. There is nothing stopping either side from putting together a fair deal that can work out for everyone involved.

[FellsPointRaven]

I wouldnt be at all surprised if a deal is worked out before the draft. We want Ray back, Ray wants to be back and has already had his big payday. There is nothing stopping either side from putting together a fair deal that can work out for everyone involved.

Problem is, Ray may well want another big pay day - which could well stop a deal being put together.

[rayvenfan_52]

Well I hope everything get done. I personally dont want him on another team.

[Raven07]

i dont think that he will go for another team i mean because he's literally the heart and soul of this team and defense...he's the center piece in ths organization to which our players have gathered around, fed of his energy and enbraced every single challenge Thrown in their direction. he's been the motivator, the warrior and the competitor that the City of Baltimore and its Fans have come to love and cherish above the other teams in the NFL. and to call him as one of our own...now thats something thats truly special.

[smitty]

it would break my heart to see ray on another team... i've pretty much grown up watching ray play for baltimore and i don't think i could stand seeing him in a different uniform. im sure that we will get a fair deal done with ray and he will retire here. all of baltimore loves ray lewis and im sure he loves baltimore right back!

[The_Farm]

Hmmm... So if the front office's number is lower than Ray's request, I'll start the "Keep Ray In B-More" Fund to make up the difference. It'll be his personal scholarship from the city of BMore.

_The_Farm_

[Raven07]

i dont think its All about the money part of it anymore for Ray.....maybe it was when he first came here and through his first few years or so as a Raven. But as of right now this instant, seeing how far he;s come and seeing how well this team is motivated by him and how well this team plays overall because of him....really makes you wonder as to....he stresses time and time again the issue of Team work and togetherness.... just much this team means to him, how much his teammates mean to him and how much his teammates appreciate he himself......

i think that alone and in itself is one of the Truest Values and one of the Truest Examples to which we call a "Team".

[Sam]

I hope it is not all about the money for Ray anymore.

I am just a little concerned that our owner is letting his friendship with Ray out weight the needs of the team. I would love to see Ray finish his career here but we should not over pay for him. He has been well compensated in the past & should be paid what he is worth now on the field. I just don't think it is good for our owner to say we will outbid others. It is Steve's money but Ozzy & Pat's job to negotiate.

I do not want to mortgage the future of this team on any player who is reaching the end of their respectable career. I also feel this gives certain players (like Ray) too much power in the locker room. No person should be above the team - no matter how good of friends you are with the owner.

Feel free to attack now......

[neepo13]

I hope it is not all about the money for Ray anymore.

I am just a little concerned that our owner is letting his friendship with Ray out weight the needs of the team. I would love to see Ray finish his career here but we should not over pay for him. He has been well compensated in the past & should be paid what he is worth now on the field. I just don't think it is good for our owner to say we will outbid others. It is Steve's money but Ozzy & Pat's job to negotiate.

I do not want to mortgage the future of this team on any player who is reaching the end of their respectable career. I also feel this gives certain players (like Ray) too much power in the locker room. No person should be above the team - no matter how good of friends you are with the owner.

Feel free to attack now......

No attacks. To an extent I do agree with what you are saying but I think as fans we have to remember that this is a bussiness. Which means not only are the players we love unlikely to retire with us but that owners are going to look to grease their pockets every once in a while. Having a guy like Lewis who has had as great a career as Ray has had and is a future HOFer sells tickets. And it only makes it more crucial when you consider that Ray is and has been the face of this franchise for a long time. I know people hate Madden refrences but so what I am going to make one. Everytime an "Icon" is released on Madden the team's presitage takes a hit and you lose fan support. That happens in real life.

[theFRANCHISE]

No attacks. To an extent I do agree with what you are saying but I think as fans we have to remember that this is a bussiness. Which means not only are the players we love unlikely to retire with us but that owners are going to look to grease their pockets every once in a while. Having a guy like Lewis who has had as great a career as Ray has had and is a future HOFer sells tickets. And it only makes it more crucial when you consider that Ray is and has been the face of this franchise for a long time. I know people hate Madden refrences but so what I am going to make one. Everytime an "Icon" is released on Madden the team's presitage takes a hit and you lose fan support. That happens in real life.

I didn't think anyone would use the Madden analogy, but you handled it well, so I applaud you for that.

But you have a good point. A player's importance sometimes can't be measured in statistics; look at how drastically different the defense has been the past couple of years when Ray Lewis has been injured and out of the lineup.

[Sam]

No attacks. To an extent I do agree with what you are saying but I think as fans we have to remember that this is a bussiness. Which means not only are the players we love unlikely to retire with us but that owners are going to look to grease their pockets every once in a while. Having a guy like Lewis who has had as great a career as Ray has had and is a future HOFer sells tickets. And it only makes it more crucial when you consider that Ray is and has been the face of this franchise for a long time. I know people hate Madden refrences but so what I am going to make one. Everytime an "Icon" is released on Madden the team's presitage takes a hit and you lose fan support. That happens in real life.

Very well put. If all people responded like you - what a nice message board this would be! People forget it is okay to agree/disagree without getting nasty or attacking. BTW I like the Madden analogy!

[XXl007lXX]

I just can't see it.

I would love to have Ray retire as a Raven, but I can't see how it would work out from a cap stand point.

He's already said to the media (a while ago but still) that this is a business.

And he would love to retire a Raven, but bottom line it comes down to money.

Even at 33 years old he is still going to require a hefty contract with a load of guaranteed money.

[neepo13]

I just can't see it.

I would love to have Ray retire as a Raven, but I can't see how it would work out from a cap stand point.

He's already said to the media (a while ago but still) that this is a business.

And he would love to retire a Raven, but bottom line it comes down to money.

Even at 33 years old he is still going to require a hefty contract with a load of guaranteed money.

If we can resign him this year, I dont think the cap will be a problem in the future. Think about it. Ogden is probably going to retire now and he takes up like 10% of our cap. McNair and Mason ,both closing in on 35+ ,wont be around much longer. The same thing can be said about Pryce and Rolle will probably be released before his contract hits double digits. Between those five players, your talking about 40 maybe even 50 million dollars in cap space. I am sure we can fit Ray, Suggs, and all our rookies from the next two drafts under that.

[Ravens549]

That's great, BUT I would rather lock up T-Sizzle long-term first, then focus on Ray later.

Yeah, cause Sizzle is sooo vital to our defense. Ray may be getting old, but even at this current age he plays a hell of a lot harder than Sizzle.

[rayvenfan_52]

Yeah, cause Sizzle is sooo vital to our defense. Ray may be getting old, but even at this current age he plays a hell of a lot harder than Sizzle.

yea its true suggs has been a vital part.. but without the heart nd soul of our defense. we would have nothing. cuz I really believe its people being around Ray makes them wanna play better. the way Ray plays the game with intensity. but thats what I think. besides how many people that werent good come across great team leaders all of the sudden push themselves? like for instance Mike Singletary.. but yea

[Ravens549]

yea its true suggs has been a vital part.. but without the heart nd soul of our defense. we would have nothing. cuz I really believe its people being around Ray makes them wanna play better. the way Ray plays the game with intensity. but thats what I think. besides how many people that werent good come across great team leaders all of the sudden push themselves? like for instance Mike Singletary.. but yea

Ummm...I think you misinterpreted my post.

I have found Sizzle to be a bit of a bust. I know there are Sizzle supportes and the guy is a monster. He has just not yet proven to be the player I think we thought he was going to be.

But you know, last year was a horrrible, horrible year. As a fan, I found a lot last year to complain about. The whole 'injuries thing' was an excuse we never got out from under. We shall see this year how good our team truly is.

[rayvenfan_52]

oh.. lol. I see it now. I musta read the thing too fast. Id be happy though with the Comp Pick if we lost Suggs. Get more rookies to build the team with..

[Raven07]

Suggs a bust? in what retro-spect are you looking at here? just wondering because im open to any and all points of veiw here. but to me, Suggs hasnt been in the least a "bust" or should even be considered to be even mentioned as such.....he's proven his time and effort to this franchise time and time again over the course of his young 4 year Raven Career...he's been a continual high profile player whom makes the plays necessary to get the ball back onto his side and his team's side....from what I've seen from Suggs he hasnt displayed any of the characteristics in which are classified as becoming or even potentially becoming a "bust" of a player. he's been a high profile Player for this team and one to which really has shown off his True NFL talents over and over again. i think that the answer to your obseravation of Suggs being a "player".....well to tell you the truth, i dont think there are too many players out there to have accomplished what Suggs has in this short period of time. 40 sacks in his NFL career and he's yet to turn 26 years of age. plus his overall prscence is felt whenever he was on the field....i mean heck if you think about this whole thing, with Pryce alongside him, it generally takes up to 2-3 players on our opponents line just to block them....plus they have to make the decision on whether or not to block Suggs or block Pryce. which either way you look at it, benefits our defensive play.....because our opponent has to make the decision on who exactly to block, which ultimately free's up/ offers a free gap or shot for the other guys to run through and make a play.....

The reason why exactly the Ravens Havent really given Suggs a particular Position to play is really quite simple....its overall athletic ability and Athletism....offers us with a unique perspective for the way we go about running our defensive schemes, in which we must utilize a player of his calibur and athletism to the absolute best of our ability. which is (i think) the main reason why you dont see Suggs designated as a DE or LB or whatever as a perminant Fixure. because of his athletic talent and versitilty.

[rayvenfan_52]

maybe I might have spoken too soon. I totally forgot about Pryce. I hope hes got atleast 1 or 2 more years in him. Suggs n Pryce outside with Ngata n Gregg in the middle.. Thatd be much better. 1 person will eventually get double teamed which will leave the other three 1 on 1 with someone which will be good for us.