Anyone for Ray Lewis?
 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...th.rumors.nfl/

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sure, who wouldn't want him. but at what price? he is 31 now and missed 10 games last season with a torn hamstring. more on that-

Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis said Friday that he won't be available for minicamps while recuperating from surgery to repair a torn hamstring.
In an interview with the NFL Network in Detroit -- the site of Sunday's Super Bowl XL -- Lewis said he has been off crutches for a few weeks following his early December surgery. A two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a perennial Pro Bowl selection, Lewis said he anticipates undergoing at least another three months of rehabilitation.
Lewis, who's under contract through 2008 with Baltimore with base salaries of $5.5 million in 2006 and $6.5 million apiece in 2007 and 2008 according to NFL Players Association documents, wasn't pressed about his future in Baltimore or other substantive, team-related topics.

AND

My diagnosis of the former All-Pro middle linebacker? He’s suffering from a torn hamstring, an intense desire for an influx of cash and a bruised ego since his request for a restructured deal keeps getting denied by Ozzie Newsome. Plus, his once intimidating game is declining.

Lewis sought a second opinion in Florida, quickly had surgery, then attended a bowl game in Orlando on crutches for a softball ESPN interview. In Westminster last week for an autograph show, he charged fans at least $65 per item and refused to make himself available to the Carroll County Times or veteran sports anchor Scott Garceau.
So many rumors are swirling around Lewis. Is he recovering well? Is he happy that Steve Bisciotti retained Brian Billick? Does he want to finish his career with a Florida team like the Miami Dolphins? All legitimate questions, and Lewis could decrease fans’ anxiety and media scrutiny by answering them. If he doesn’t, the rumor mill will not rest.
Lewis is slated to make $5.5 million again next season and $6.5 million in 2007 and 2008. Could free agent Bart Scott be a nice alternative at a much cheaper price? Stay tuned.

------they have expressed interest in getting an OT. do you make a call at all? if you do, what exactly do you offer for big ray? i'll cogitate it then put mine down. how bout you?

RE: Anyone for Ray Lewis?
 

If they would take Gandy and Fincher for him, might be worth it. otherwise, would rather get a MLB in the draft or Get Hawk for the outside and play Fugiti in the middle.Think a lot of people are underestimating Bockwolt. Has a lot of speed-yes he got out of position and missed some tackles, but that could be the result of Venturi's noting defense. With Gibbs running the show, I think Bockwolt cold dvelop into a Teddy Brushi type- blue collar hard working and productive player.

For a second day pick, yeah. But he has or wants a large contract. That alone, coupled with the fact he has not been the same for 2-3 years now, and i'd pass. But if he could be had at a vet mimimum contract, but with play time and incentive clauses that could escalate it's value, i'd take him just for the passion he'd bring. Can you imagine AJ Hawk learning from this guy(if we took Hawk).

I had about the same thoughts as the above...

Please take Gandy and have your choice of Watson or Fincher. I'd throw in a 4th rd pick or a 2007 3rd.

He may be 80% of his former self but that is still more than most others. The mentorship I had in mind too. Fujita, hardnosed worker, Lewis, the grisled vet with a chip on his shoulder (and gate appeal to boot), and some rookie like Hawk, Carpenter, or Ryans- not bad. Bock, Watson, or Fincher on the bench learning.

I'm not against the idea. Esp. if they'd take Gandy for him. The problem he has in Baltimore is that he wants another BIG payday. Seems to me that he will want a restructured deal if he goes anywhere with lots of guaranteed money. Practically Lewis would be a big addition to this team. Economically, he's probably not going to merit the money he will demand. The PR issue is going to be -- "how big a hit does Lewis' goodwill take over crying about more money." He is not far from facing the same public perception that TO has. Why would we want to pay big money for that?

i'd give 85% petersen more money than him just for age too.

not much interest in old Ray I spose. They come n they go...
:hallucinate:

He's ok, I wouldn't mind having him, (who wouldn't) if anyone can motivate a D it's Ray, but I wouldn't want to break the bank if you will for him.

he will cost a ton and cost a high draft pick i think. i thought baltimore were looking for a 1rst rounder. let me know if i am wrong on that but i do remember reading it somewhere. ltf i am with you he is a nice addition for a reasonable cost but i think he will be looking for a huge contract

As good as Ray is I don't see anyone giving a first rounder. but I think I read too that they want a first rounder for him.

the Baltimore Sun article said they just wanted a starting OT.

That's why Gandy was mentioned. Give'em one of our soon to be backlogged young LBs too.

It could work. However, I wouldn't be willing to give him any more money than we're currently giving Gandy. That would be the dealbreaker to me. As a comparison, I'd rather pay big money for Arrington than Lewis.

certainly more for arrington given his age but I don't think we make his list of possible destinations.

That's the problem, he'll want a lot more than Gandy is getting, I don't see it working out in getting Ray.

No thanks. Way too much money for what the Saints would get in return. And the Saints just payed big money for an injured player.

Also, I'm interested in what Fincher will become here. I haven't seen much of him and am in no hurry to trade him for an injured, big mouthed linebacker who was a stud in his prime.

To those who would offer Fincher, is there something about him that you don't like or is he just an example of who you'd send in a trade?

just an example offer on fincher. we have fujita and i am betting on another starting LB in the draft whether hawk, #34 pick, or something in between acquired in trade. that would result in fujita, lewis, and hawk or another rookie starting. with watson, fincher, and bock on the bench one could be given up without depleting depth too much. that isn't even addressing some of the other used up backers that are still on the roster.

I'll pass on lewis...I do wonder if Fujita is the leader on D we have been looking for..Most defense leaders are the MLB if I am not kistaken...We haven't had one of those in a while...Hey what do you guys think the odds are that NO takes bullocks little brother in the draft, he's a great player

i dunnno the odds but i thought of that. it would be great PR. he is rated 4-6 among safeties on most lists. if he can still do it, dwight smith could drop down to corner and reduce the need there. worth a flyer if around late in day one.

I like finch..... No thanx to old ray...... getting old nad just not worth it..

i think fincher may pan out also, while it's not the case of wanting a seasoned vet, it is a case of win now or do the best you can for fan support to keep the saints in n. o............
as i said before, i believe payton is in control for now...........and if he keeps doing what he's doing, this may be the best thing that has ever happend to n.o...........................smitty