Ray Lewis and Free Agency

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Originally Posted by over the mountain

i listen to alot of ravens radio and my feeling from fan call ins and hosts is that the consensus wouldnt mind ray ray moving on if another team wants to pay him more than the ravens think he will be worth.

I also listen to way too much ravens radio, mainly because I find it funny, and while I agree that it does seem like most of the fans say they wouldnt mind him signing elsewhere, they all seem to engage in double talk. On one hand they say that if he wants too much money he should just go away, but then the same caller will often turn around and say that he's Christ reborn and that he's worth whatever he wants.
Plus, it also seems to me like a lot of their fans think that lewis will eventually resign with the team for a discount just because he's such a great guy. They're more dillusional than we are.

Personally, I think the jets cut ties with favre and use that money to bring in Lewis.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by ArtMonkDrillz

I also listen to way too much ravens radio, mainly because I find it funny, and while I agree that it does seem like most of the fans say they wouldnt mind him signing elsewhere, they all seem to engage in double talk. On one hand they say that if he wants too much money he should just go away, but then the same caller will often turn around and say that he's Christ reborn and that he's worth whatever he wants.
Plus, it also seems to me like a lot of their fans think that lewis will eventually resign with the team for a discount just because he's such a great guy. They're more dillusional than we are.

Personally, I think the jets cut ties with favre and use that money to bring in Lewis.

Right now the only option for Lewis is the Cowboys. For all the obvious reasons aside, I think Lewis would not fit in Dallas b/c they have all these egos in the team and he would be the alpha player there. In Baltimore, he is the alpha player, he is the Ravens. Granted that money can sway him away from that, but I don't know. Maybe he will pull a Tom Brady and sign for less money than what that Cowboys are offering.

[over the mountain]

hahaha yeah they do do alot of double talk . . this morning a guy called in saying he loved what hes done for us, deserves a big pay day and that the ravens should only pay him what they think he will be worth and not over pay, if another team wants to over pay then let them . . . 30 seconds later the same caller is saying how he wont drop off that much, theres no one who could replace him, yada yada yada.

honestly, thinking about it both sides of the double talk make valid points so i can see where fans are coming from. tough decision, i think most ravens fans will side with whatever ozzie newsome decides.

go skins!!

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by over the mountain

hahaha yeah they do do alot of double talk . . this morning a guy called in saying he loved what hes done for us, deserves a big pay day and that the ravens should only pay him what they think he will be worth and not over pay, if another team wants to over pay then let them . . . 30 seconds later the same caller is saying how he wont drop off that much, theres no one who could replace him, yada yada yada.

honestly, thinking about it both sides of the double talk make valid points so i can see where fans are coming from. tough decision, i think most ravens fans will side with whatever ozzie newsome decides.

go skins!!

I wish that was the case for our team and our "GM". *sigh*

[Ruhskins]

Speaking of Ravens' free agents, here's one that I would not mind us picking up, Jason Brown, 25 year old Center. Sounds like a good player and probably not on many other team's radar. It seems like he could also play guard, can contribute right away and would add youth to our line.

(link works if you are an insider)
Jason Brown Stats, News, Photos - Baltimore Ravens - ESPN

2008 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.
Grade: 78 | Key
Alert: None

Comment: Brown is a big, strong and wide-bodied interior offensive lineman who has a very thick lower body that makes him difficult to move backwards. Brown played both guard and center in college. While he has only played guard in the NFL, he is capable of handling the pivot and should do an excellent job against massive nose tackle types from the center position. He is a very powerful man who can push a pile or anchor against bigger pass rushers. He is a mauler who puts smaller men on their back and he shows a willingness to finish his blocks. Brown has heavy hands and can stun opposing linemen with his punch and long arms. He is a smart player who acclimated to the NFL quickly and has good recognition of stunts and blitzes. While he continues to improve in this area, Brown is still much better coming forward than retreating in pass protection. He isn't a very good space player and once beaten, can struggle to recover against quicker, more athletic interior pass rushers. He is a two-year starter who should continue to improve. He works hard and is well respected. The Ravens need to be careful with his tender because if they tender him too low, many teams around the league could pounce on Brown. He is a legitimate starter on a power-running team and his stock should continue to rise.

[SmootSmack]

I like Jason Brown a lot, but isn't he an RFA?

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I like Jason Brown a lot, but isn't he an RFA?

Damn it...he is a RFA.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

Damn it...he is a RFA.

What do you think of Khalif Barnes

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

What do you think of Khalif Barnes

He seems to be solid player, according to Scouts his strength is in pass protection, and not a powerful run blocker. Paul Kuharsky from ESPN assessed that:

Left tackle Khalif Barnes: Simply has not panned out on the level this team needed.

However, Barnes is a young player, could come and compete for RT and maybe serve as Samuels' backup at LT.

[hagams]

It's funny how far we've come since all that trouble that was looming over Ray Lewis 9 years ago. I don't think I've ever had a thought about them that didn't involved him. He's a nasty guy on the field, and demonstrates the leadership of a Marine.
He will not leave the Ravens though.