Potential Ray Lewis Trade? (1 Viewer)

[MLBrandow]

Primary Source:

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.

LinkNow, I haven't really done any research beyond my own prior knowledge/conjecture, but I think he'd be a great fit on the Dolphins in their new 34 system this year (they are still planning to run it?)

LDE Kevin Carter

NT Keith Traylor

RDE Vonnie Holliday

LOLB Channing Crowder

LILB Zach Thomas

RILB Ray Lewis

ROLB Donnie Spragan

That's a hell of a front seven.

I couldn't really think of another team off the top of my head though that would make a lot of sense--that being a team that is on the rise, nearing a championship level or at one, and needing a veteran presence at MLB/ILB.

Being that Lewis went to the U, it would seem like a natural fit to end his football career. I don't have anything solid to back it up though, just a thought.

 

[The Hank]

I'd imagine with Dom Capers background as a steeler defensive coordinator, that his intention would be to maintain a 34 defense

 

[diesel7982]

Primary Source:

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.

LinkNow, I haven't really done any research beyond my own prior knowledge/conjecture, but I think he'd be a great fit on the Dolphins in their new 34 system this year (they are still planning to run it?)



LDE Kevin Carter

NT Keith Traylor

RDE Vonnie Holliday

LOLB Channing Crowder

LILB Zach Thomas

RILB Ray Lewis

ROLB Donnie Spragan

That's a hell of a front seven.

I couldn't really think of another team off the top of my head though that would make a lot of sense--that being a team that is on the rise, nearing a championship level or at one, and needing a veteran presence at MLB/ILB.

Being that Lewis went to the U, it would seem like a natural fit to end his football career. I don't have anything solid to back it up though, just a thought.

Jason Taylor?LDE Kevin Carter

NT Keith Traylor

RDE Vonnie Holliday

LOLB Jason Taylor

LILB Zach Thomas

RILB Channing Crowder

ROLB Donnie Spragan

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I think the only thing that kills Lewis' trade value is his current contract, interest in renegotiaiting to get a bigger contract, advancing age(31 in May)/injuries and decline in overall play. Other than that he makes a great addition.

 

[MLBrandow]

Well a good part of that is the Ravens changing defensive philosophies.

 

[MLBrandow]

Primary Source:

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.

LinkNow, I haven't really done any research beyond my own prior knowledge/conjecture, but I think he'd be a great fit on the Dolphins in their new 34 system this year (they are still planning to run it?)



LDE Kevin Carter

NT Keith Traylor

RDE Vonnie Holliday

LOLB Channing Crowder

LILB Zach Thomas

RILB Ray Lewis

ROLB Donnie Spragan

That's a hell of a front seven.

I couldn't really think of another team off the top of my head though that would make a lot of sense--that being a team that is on the rise, nearing a championship level or at one, and needing a veteran presence at MLB/ILB.

Being that Lewis went to the U, it would seem like a natural fit to end his football career. I don't have anything solid to back it up though, just a thought.

Jason Taylor?LDE Kevin Carter

NT Keith Traylor

RDE Vonnie Holliday

LOLB Jason Taylor

LILB Zach Thomas

RILB Channing Crowder

ROLB Donnie Spragan

That's what I meant, I meant to put Taylor in place of Spragan.You have Carter, Traylor and Holliday, and then Crowder, Thomas, Lewis and Taylor behind. That'd be freaking scary

 

[Sopranos]

I couldn't really think of another team off the top of my head though that would make a lot of sense--that being a team that is on the rise, nearing a championship level or at one, and needing a veteran presence at MLB/ILB.

Being that Lewis went to the U, it would seem like a natural fit to end his football career. I don't have anything solid to back it up though, just a thought.

I can,The Colts...We need a leader

 

[MLBrandow]

Oh yeah, how could I forget the Colts! Gary Brackett is terrible and needs to be replaced by an overpaid and aging veteran.

 

[diesel7982]

Primary Source:

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.

LinkNow, I haven't really done any research beyond my own prior knowledge/conjecture, but I think he'd be a great fit on the Dolphins in their new 34 system this year (they are still planning to run it?)



LDE Kevin Carter

NT Keith Traylor

RDE Vonnie Holliday

LOLB Channing Crowder

LILB Zach Thomas

RILB Ray Lewis

ROLB Donnie Spragan

That's a hell of a front seven.

I couldn't really think of another team off the top of my head though that would make a lot of sense--that being a team that is on the rise, nearing a championship level or at one, and needing a veteran presence at MLB/ILB.

Being that Lewis went to the U, it would seem like a natural fit to end his football career. I don't have anything solid to back it up though, just a thought.

Jason Taylor?LDE Kevin Carter

NT Keith Traylor

RDE Vonnie Holliday

LOLB Jason Taylor

LILB Zach Thomas

RILB Channing Crowder

ROLB Donnie Spragan

That's what I meant, I meant to put Taylor in place of Spragan.You have Carter, Traylor and Holliday, and then Crowder, Thomas, Lewis and Taylor behind. That'd be freaking scary

They signed Spragan with the idea of him starting, correct?Either way, Chowder would be a horrible idea as an OLB in a 3-4.

 

[trader jake]

if the ravens trade ray lewis...

1) it would be to an nfc team

2) that is in need of a team leader

3) could use a real draw at the gate and

4) has a coach that could handle him

denny green in arizona makes the most sense to me with tampa bay as a dark horse. lewis could do wonders for the saints franchise as well

 

[diesel7982]

if the ravens trade ray lewis...

1) it would be to an nfc team

2) that is in need of a team leader

3) could use a real draw at the gate and

4) has a coach that could handle him

denny green in arizona makes the most sense to me with tampa bay as a dark horse. lewis could do wonders for the saints franchise as well

Ray Lewis in New Orleans huh?Think the cops would go on strike?

 

[trader jake]

if the ravens trade ray lewis...

1) it would be to an nfc team

2) that is in need of a team leader

3) could use a real draw at the gate and

4) has a coach that could handle him

denny green in arizona makes the most sense to me with tampa bay as a dark horse. lewis could do wonders for the saints franchise as well

Ray Lewis in New Orleans huh?Think the cops would go on strike?

they might if he ended up in atlanta (which is another team that makes sense)

 

[UrlacherIsGod]

PS Chicago doesn't want/need him.

 

[-OZ-]

if the ravens trade ray lewis...

1) it would be to an nfc team

2) that is in need of a team leader

3) could use a real draw at the gate and

4) has a coach that could handle him

denny green in arizona makes the most sense to me with tampa bay as a dark horse. lewis could do wonders for the saints franchise as well

Ray Lewis in New Orleans huh?Think the cops would go on strike?

they might if he ended up in atlanta (which is another team that makes sense)

Atlanta already has a Ravens reject. I don't see Lewis as a huge need for the Falcons with Demerrio, Brooking and Hartwell (IIRC, he signed a big $ deal).

I'm not quite buying the #1 criteria, certainly not to a division rival, but I can see opening the market to the other divisions if they paid a little more than an NFC team.

I'm not sure they'd do it, or could, but I wouldn't completely rule out Tennessee from this, or Oakland.

As for other NFC teams, he'd be downright scary in Dallas (are they sold on Shanle/James?)

St. Louis is possible, I know Linehan is a new coach, but he seems to have the respect of the players in every team he's been the OC for. Claiborne isn't getting it done, Trev Faulk sure isn't the answer.

 

[Boston]

Lewis is exactly the type of player the Dolphins should be avoiding. They currently have an aging defense that needs to get younger not older. They also don't have a great cap situation and Lewis would make other moves (i.e. QB, O line, getting younger on defense) even more difficult.

Lewis would be a good fit on a contending team that is young. He could provide an attitude/veteran leadership that could help them get to the next level. Yet, with his current contract situation and the fact you'll have to trade for him I don't see a big rush to acquire him.

 

[msommer]

if the ravens trade ray lewis...

1) it would be to an nfc team

2) that is in need of a team leader

3) could use a real draw at the gate and

4) has a coach that could handle him

denny green in arizona makes the most sense to me with tampa bay as a dark horse.  lewis could do wonders for the saints franchise as well

Ray Lewis in New Orleans huh?Think the cops would go on strike?

Maybe he'll run into Dr. Football who happens to be a NO copSparks will fly...

 

[Family Matters]

John Clayton was on "Mike & Mike" this morning and they discussed Ray Ray. John's "guess" is that Ray is going no where. He's to valuable to Balt and no one wants to pay what he feels he's worth.

John's usually pretty good at figuring these things out but he said it's his "best guess" so take it for what it's worth.

 

[Wingnut]

Word on the street (from Ray's cousin) is that the Ravens are gonna offer Ray a fat contract and he will sign and finish his career as a Raven.

 

[Captain Blowhard]

Word on the street (from Ray's cousin) is that the Ravens are gonna offer Ray a fat contract and he will sign and finish his career as a Raven.

He already has an obscene contract. If Balt tears it up and gives him even more, they are total idiots.

 

[Chaos]

I'm not sure if his diminishing skills is outweighed by his vet presense in the locker room. If not, maybe ending up back in the town he should have started his career (Cleveland) would be helpfull for a young team running the 3-4.

I know he doesn't like being in the 3-4 so this might not be a good fit anyway regardless of years left in the tank.

 

[Assani Fisher]

if the ravens trade ray lewis...

1) it would be to an nfc team

2) that is in need of a team leader

3) could use a real draw at the gate and

4) has a coach that could handle him

denny green in arizona makes the most sense to me with tampa bay as a dark horse.  lewis could do wonders for the saints franchise as well

Lewis going to any team other than Washington(or staying in Baltimore) would really be sad to me, as a huge fan of his.Edited to add: P Ramsey might be attractive trade bait for Baltimore.

 

[Bri]

I'd expect Nolan and Lewis to at least inquire about him

 

[Rhino802]

Word on the street (from Ray's cousin) is that the Ravens are gonna offer Ray a fat contract and he will sign and finish his career as a Raven.

Anything's possible, but this one's hard to believe. He already is under contract for this year, and the team has more immediate uses of cash. More likely that if he isn't traded, he plays as Raven this year (and won't be happy) under his current contract.

 

[streamkeeper]

Just a note, when J Bettis got to this point in his career he took a pay cut. He did not ask for more. He remained a team leader.

 

[cracKer]

I'm not sure if his diminishing skills is outweighed by his vet presense in the locker room.

An under-the-table deal here is likely. Ray will finish his career in Baltimore, playing under his current contract, but when he's done he's guaranteed a $5 million per year job as their LB coach.

 

[saintfool]

if the ravens trade ray lewis...

1) it would be to an nfc team

2) that is in need of a team leader

3) could use a real draw at the gate and

4) has a coach that could handle him

denny green in arizona makes the most sense to me with tampa bay as a dark horse. lewis could do wonders for the saints franchise as well

interestingly enough, his current salary matches up nicely with that of aaron brooks.