What To Do With Our Linebackers?

[bossman419]

what to do with baltimore's linebackers?

i personally would let bart become a free agent, he is the most replaceable, in my opinion...

[RavensIQ]

Sign Suggs to a full term contract, sign Bart to a 3 yr deal with incentives, and franchise Ray Lewis if a deal has not been reached.

or

let Ray find his value in free agency, which is probably what's gonna happen, then sign him to a 3-4 yr extension, sign Bart to a 2-3 year extension (which jarret johnson just got...so why shouldn't bart?) and then franchise Suggs if a deal still can not be worked out. But Suggs tag is gonna be in the 10 mill range if that happens so iono?

Either way somebody is gonna get a big signing bonus up front to alleviate the 2009 cap, so why shouldn't it be Ray? 2010 could be a no cap year which means sky's the limit. If somehow we could get through the 09 season with no cap issues we should be good from there on out.

Ideally nobody gets cut and we keep all 3. But as long as we don't lose Ray, I could give 2 ***** about what happens to Scott or Suggs.

[Ravens52]

I want to keep all of them. There still 3 capable pro bowlers that contribute greatly to our team. I hope they never leave Baltimore.

[BaltimoreBulldog]

Get rid of suggs or scott and plug in the rookie Gooden. Suggs and scott are both replaceable. Just look over our history and you will see linebackers come and go and we still have no problem replacing them. Hartwell and adalius come to mind as of recent

[Ravens52]

Not sure if suggs if replaceable man..top 5 pass rushers a tough to get

[Eurich]

If you were to get rid of Suggs, Barnes would step in.

[Ravens52]

Still as good as Barnes is...I don't think that he would be a top 5 pass rushes in the league. T-Sizzle is an elite pass rusher that we should try to keep at all costs. The thing is...he's still young

[Corvus]

I would much rather keep Scott over Suggs, Barnes is a more than capable replacement for Suggs. At least Scott was ready and participating in training camp and staying sharp. Barnes had 2 sacks in very limited action as a rookie last year, Suggs had 5 while being a starter in all 16 games, then complains about an extra 250k on his franchise tag and never shows up to any offseason programs (other than that 1 time to see Harbs) You figure it out...

[bossman419]

I would much rather keep Scott over Suggs, Barnes is a more than capable replacement for Suggs. At least Scott was ready and participating in training camp and staying sharp. Barnes had 2 sacks in very limited action as a rookie last year, Suggs had 5 while being a starter in all 16 games, then complains about an extra 250k on his franchise tag and never shows up to any offseason programs (other than that 1 time to see Harbs) You figure it out...

But preferably I would like to keep all 3 of them as well, but if not we have a young talent linebacker corp of Barnes, Gooden, Edgar Jones, and Jameel McClain led by vets like Greisen and Ayanbadejo and whoever of these 3 we do keep.

On another note, I would still love to see a Suggs for Boldin deal happen, but it never will...

barnes still has not proved to me that he is at the level of suggs

[bossman419]

Still as good as Barnes is...I don't think that he would be a top 5 pass rushes in the league. T-Sizzle is an elite pass rusher that we should try to keep at all costs. The thing is...he's still young

im with you bro... suggs is only 25 and hes a veteran

[smashmouth]

I would much rather keep Scott over Suggs, Barnes is a more than capable replacement for Suggs. At least Scott was ready and participating in training camp and staying sharp. Barnes had 2 sacks in very limited action as a rookie last year, Suggs had 5 while being a starter in all 16 games, then complains about an extra 250k on his franchise tag and never shows up to any offseason programs (other than that 1 time to see Harbs) You figure it out...

But preferably I would like to keep all 3 of them as well, but if not we have a young talent linebacker corp of Barnes, Gooden, Edgar Jones, and Jameel McClain led by vets like Greisen and Ayanbadejo and whoever of these 3 we do keep.

On another note, I would still love to see a Suggs for Boldin deal happen, but it never will...

I like barnes, but he is not on the level of Suggs, Barnes had 2 sacks because he saw limited action, when he came in and rushed the Offense did not game plan for Him at all, while they practiced all week to double team Suggs. Scott is a big hitter and can play the run sidelines to sidelines, he's decent on the Blitz but His Coverage skills is replacable.

I think Scott is alot easier to replace then suggs, but I wouldent be mad if a Suggs for Boldin or another young elite reciever would happen.

[Redreed]

I disagree with most here in that I think Suggs is much more replaceable than Scott. Scott is a sideline to sideline LB, a leader in the locker room, and a 100% hustle player. He will replace Ray on the inside when Ray is gone, and that's a good thing. Suggs pass rush is replaceable, and he doesn't make plays in the passing game, and that is why I feel he is more replaceable. He is much more one-dimensional than people would like to admit, and not even that spectacular in that one dimension. Suggs is a name and worth more on the market than he is on the field. If we have to get rig of Suggs, Scott, or Ray, then I hope it is Suggs. Suggs showed a selfish and money hungry approach to the game this season which is something that the Ravens do not typically have a problem with. He doesn't fit. He's a primadonna. We need the hard workers like B. Scott, who has become a face/mouth of the team during his recent success, not because of his contract, and not because of his on-field persona; it is because he is a good/decent/funny guy who works his ****** off to be on that D. We need more Scotts and less Suggs, if you ask me.

[MyNameIsEarl]

I think we should Keep Scott out of loyalty, if nothing else. This guy turned down a better contract financially because this is the team that gave him his chance in the NFL. Like Redreed said, he will be the main man in the middle when Ray is gone, And Gooden will probably be promoted into Bart's current Role. Also Bart has more versatility than Suggs. Bart can play any linebacker role well, and plays the run better than Suggs (as well as provide better pass coverage) but can put on a better pass rush than Ray. Suggs can do nothing well but pass rush, whether it's from OLB or DE. It's basically the same thing that Barnes can do. I think the most replaceable player is Suggs,not least because he wants to be here less than Lewis and Scott.

[catty112]

I think you guys are a little biased of Suggs becuase of him not showing up to TC. Im not gonna say whether it was right of him or not but I have a feeling that TSizzle is looking to impress this year and will put up pro bowl numbers. With most of our dominate defense coming back together I can see things really click this year.

I hope we sign all 3 and I would defiantly hate to get rid of Bart Scott, I love the way he plays and if he stays he could take over for Ray as the voice and heart of the defense within the next couple years.

Ray Lewis staying is an obvious, who would ever want get rid of him? No one.

Suggs... well its make or break time for him but I really hope he stays, once he starts putting up some big numbers I think people will quickly forget how he held out at training camp.

[FerrariFan87]

Try to keep them all. If not, Bart is the most expendable at this point, in my opinion...

[march4superbowl]

Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott, Jarret Johnson, Gary Stills, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Tavares Gooden, Nick Greisen, Edgar Jones, and

Antwan Barnes are the linebackers I wanna keep.

[rayvenfan_52]

I choose to keep Bart Scott over Terrell Suggs. Ray Lewis is a no brainer keeper. Because you dont need to decide if you want to keep him.. Its just a "MUST"... I chose Scott is because whoever posted this before me is right. He did choose to stay with the Ravens because they gave him his chance. Despite the fact that some other team gave him a better deal. Thats a team player right there.

[smashmouth]

I disagree with most here in that I think Suggs is much more replaceable than Scott. Scott is a sideline to sideline LB, a leader in the locker room, and a 100% hustle player. He will replace Ray on the inside when Ray is gone, and that's a good thing. Suggs pass rush is replaceable, and he doesn't make plays in the passing game, and that is why I feel he is more replaceable. He is much more one-dimensional than people would like to admit, and not even that spectacular in that one dimension. Suggs is a name and worth more on the market than he is on the field. If we have to get rig of Suggs, Scott, or Ray, then I hope it is Suggs. Suggs showed a selfish and money hungry approach to the game this season which is something that the Ravens do not typically have a problem with. He doesn't fit. He's a primadonna. We need the hard workers like B. Scott, who has become a face/mouth of the team during his recent success, not because of his contract, and not because of his on-field persona; it is because he is a good/decent/funny guy who works his ****** off to be on that D. We need more Scotts and less Suggs, if you ask me.

Suggs is 5x better then Scott in Coverage. Take a look at Any game last year and watch RB,TE, and slot reciever tear it up, Watch Scott on the plays, He acts like He's lost. The year before I thought he played ALOT better, IM sure injuries amd our Defensive scheme had alot to do with it, but He's still not a great or even really good Cover LB.

Pass rush is replaceable? Maybe the Ravens because we've been great at drafting them, Take a look around the league, Every team wants a guy like Suggs.

[smashmouth]

I think we should Keep Scott out of loyalty, if nothing else. This guy turned down a better contract financially because this is the team that gave him his chance in the NFL. Like Redreed said, he will be the main man in the middle when Ray is gone, And Gooden will probably be promoted into Bart's current Role. Also Bart has more versatility than Suggs. Bart can play any linebacker role well, and plays the run better than Suggs (as well as provide better pass coverage) but can put on a better pass rush than Ray. Suggs can do nothing well but pass rush, whether it's from OLB or DE. It's basically the same thing that Barnes can do. I think the most replaceable player is Suggs,not least because he wants to be here less than Lewis and Scott.

Scott does play the run better.. That's what a ILB is for, his pass coverage is not as good as suggs tho, Barnes can play the passing downs awesome, but He struggles from what I see to be that every down guy like suggs. The main reason Ryan uses a 4-6 defense on passing downs..

A awesome FS in Reed, Laundry who can play in the box, Barnes lines up on the same side as Suggs, Look at the pressure on that side of the line.

Everyone is crapping on Suggs because He diddnt show up for camp, ANY player who can leagaly not show up would do it, minus a young player trying to learn, C-mac did it 2 years in a row.. That means he dont love the Ravens? Ray lewis wont do it because He has so much Passion, There will NEVER be abother LB like Him, so dont try to compare Him to others.

[BloodRaven]

Scott is a elite run stuffer and a good pass-rusher, and hes good in coverage if used sparingly. With our secondary out last year he was forced into coverage more often.

[justifythegame]

1)Bart Scott is a guy who takes advantage of the Ravens DL to make plays. The Ravens know it, and Scott knows it. We will not pay him the money he will be "worth" when he becomes a FA. If he decides to take a paycut he can remain a Raven and load his stats even more. I think Bart Scott is a fantastic player, especially because of what he has done after being undrafted and all. But i would much rather spend that money on player who has the skills to make plays on his own. This is why we let Adailus Thomas go as well. These kind of guys fill in nicely when we have a spot open, and we have Antwan Barnes and Tavares Gooden who can make the same plays as scott did.

2)Terrell Suggs situation is different. Imo, whether he will remain a Raven after this season largely depends on how much he will produce after last years disappointing season, and how much money he is willing to sign for. We have invested a first round pick in this guy and would like to keep him around. But Suggs is also a guy who takes advantage of the Ravens defense. In fact, Suggs NEEDS Trevor Pryce (who is better imo) on the other side. If Pryce is injured (like last season) or Pryce retires, Suggs will not be able to produce the same way because he will get double teamed. This is exactly why Terrell Suggs is not an ELITE player. He is not an Elite DE (an excellent one still) and a pretty good OLB. And it is not worth it for us to throw Dwight Freeney money at him. In fact, he may be now looking for what Jared Allen got - close to 70 mil. This will really hurt the Ravens franchise and its ability to sign other players. And one player is not worth that much money. On top of this, im am uncertain about his passion to be a Raven. He held out, even though he would receive top 5 DE money, and more likely because he didn't want to go to training camp. I've also heard him say he wouldn't mind playing in Arizona when he was a FA.

If were up to me, i would trade Suggs for a draft pick and Anquan Boldin, the best reciever on that team (yeah, you head me fitz) from the Cardinals.

Ozzie knows how to draft when it comes to defense and could replace suggs easily. On top of that we have Tavares Gooden from Miami and Barnes on the roster.

3)Ray Lewis. The heart, face, and leader of the Baltimore Ravens. He was with us when we started, and became arguably the best MLB ever. Even for his age he produces extremely well when he is actually on the field. Even more important, the passion, emotion and leadership he brings to the team. You guys have all seen how terrible this defense becomes when he is not out on the field (and surprising considering all the talent this team has on D). When Ray retires, it will hurt this team. It will hurt us even more of we do not resign him. And Bisciotti has already said he won't let Ray go. Terrell Suggs is pure physical ability and no mental ability. Ray Lewis is both. Terrell Suggs cannot lead this team. Ray Lewis can for about 3-4 more years. And it is only fitting he retires a Raven. Which will be long enough for Ozzie to draft a MLB in the first round whom Ray can teach before he leaves.

[Bazard]

1)Bart Scott is a guy who takes advantage of the Ravens DL to make plays. The Ravens know it, and Scott knows it. We will not pay him the money he will be "worth" when he becomes a FA. If he decides to take a paycut he can remain a Raven and load his stats even more. I think Bart Scott is a fantastic player, especially because of what he has done after being undrafted and all. But i would much rather spend that money on player who has the skills to make plays on his own. This is why we let Adailus Thomas go as well. These kind of guys fill in nicely when we have a spot open, and we have Antwan Barnes and Tavares Gooden who can make the same plays as scott did.

2)Terrell Suggs situation is different. Imo, whether he will remain a Raven after this season largely depends on how much he will produce after last years disappointing season, and how much money he is willing to sign for. We have invested a first round pick in this guy and would like to keep him around. But Suggs is also a guy who takes advantage of the Ravens defense. In fact, Suggs NEEDS Trevor Pryce (who is better imo) on the other side. If Pryce is injured (like last season) or Pryce retires, Suggs will not be able to produce the same way because he will get double teamed. This is exactly why Terrell Suggs is not an ELITE player. He is not an Elite DE (an excellent one still) and a pretty good OLB. And it is not worth it for us to throw Dwight Freeney money at him. In fact, he may be now looking for what Jared Allen got - close to 70 mil. This will really hurt the Ravens franchise and its ability to sign other players. And one player is not worth that much money. On top of this, im am uncertain about his passion to be a Raven. He held out, even though he would receive top 5 DE money, and more likely because he didn't want to go to training camp. I've also heard him say he wouldn't mind playing in Arizona when he was a FA.

If were up to me, i would trade Suggs for a draft pick and Anquan Boldin, the best reciever on that team (yeah, you head me fitz) from the Cardinals.

Ozzie knows how to draft when it comes to defense and could replace suggs easily. On top of that we have Tavares Gooden from Miami and Barnes on the roster.

3)Ray Lewis. The heart, face, and leader of the Baltimore Ravens. He was with us when we started, and became arguably the best MLB ever. Even for his age he produces extremely well when he is actually on the field. Even more important, the passion, emotion and leadership he brings to the team. You guys have all seen how terrible this defense becomes when he is not out on the field (and surprising considering all the talent this team has on D). When Ray retires, it will hurt this team. It will hurt us even more of we do not resign him. And Bisciotti has already said he won't let Ray go. Terrell Suggs is pure physical ability and no mental ability. Ray Lewis is both. Terrell Suggs cannot lead this team. Ray Lewis can for about 3-4 more years. And it is only fitting he retires a Raven. Which will be long enough for Ozzie to draft a MLB in the first round whom Ray can teach before he leaves.

Gooden is Ray's replacement one; two Suggs is a great player we are going to keep him. We all know Ray is staying. What most likley will happen in this and in the coming years is kind of what happened with Jerry Rice and T.O Gooden will show through out the season that he can be a starter. Ravens keep Ray and Suggs, Scott goes to the Browns like he was originally about to do before the 2006 season. Gooden will be taught by Ray all year long and he will even train with him in the offseaon, they will watch film together, train together, eat the same food and they will go into next season playing side by side. Over time Ray will pass the torch to his "U Brother" and slowly move into retirement. Gooden will be the next Ray Lewis and they will be Compared for years to come (him and Patrick Willis)

[rayvenfan_52]

Losing Ray Lewis from our defense is like cutting Tom Brady from their offense... 2 things that are just never going to happen.... ever