Cowboys Interested in Signing Ray Lewis: Ravens Willing to Fight
By Perry Green
AFRO Sports Writer
(January 22, 2009) - Rumors have circulated around the NFL that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is interested in signing Baltimore Ravens star linebacker Ray Lewis when his contract expires on Feb. 27.
Jones has a track record of spending whatever amount of money it takes to obtain a big-time player, and there’s already speculation that he’s willing to give Lewis a three-year deal worth nearly $30 million, with $25 million guaranteed.
But fortunately for Baltimoreans, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said he wants to sign Lewis to a new contract, suggesting Lewis might even take a lesser paying contract than others may offer to ensure he finishes his career as a Raven.
“Are we going to get a hometown discount? I hope so. I really do,” Bisciotti told the local media. “That means we can find one more Jimmy Leonhard on the free-agent market with the money we save.”
If Lewis decides to resign with the Ravens for lesser value, he won’t be the only star player who’s made that sacrifice for the benefit of the team.
New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady signed a contract extension with his team in 2005 that paid him far less than a few other quarterbacks in the league were being paid so that his team could have more available funds to balance the team out with other quality contributors.
But Bisciotti is aware that Lewis, who’s been the face of the franchise throughout its entire existence, will not settle for less value than what he’s worth.
“Ray is not going to settle for something that he thinks is way below [his market value],” Bisciotti said. “If he wants to go out there and maximize his money and somebody is desperate for that kind of leadership, then there may be a big gap. And I'm not going to say to Oz [general manager Ozzie Newsome], ‘Go do it under any circumstances.’”
Throughout his 13 years in the NFL, Lewis has easily become one of the greatest defensive players in league history, and he continued to produce this season with a total of 117 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
But according to Bisciotti, Lewis’s legacy and value extends beyond his production on the field.
“There are very few people that I know in sports that transcend their statistics, and we had the luxury of watching Cal Ripken simultaneously do the same thing to the Orioles,” Bisciotti said. “I think they bring a sense of continuity and leadership that we’re all looking for. I think Ray has given Baltimore that. I certainly don’t want to see him in another uniform."
AFRO Sports Writer
(January 22, 2009) - Rumors have circulated around the NFL that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is interested in signing Baltimore Ravens star linebacker Ray Lewis when his contract expires on Feb. 27.
Jones has a track record of spending whatever amount of money it takes to obtain a big-time player, and there’s already speculation that he’s willing to give Lewis a three-year deal worth nearly $30 million, with $25 million guaranteed.
But fortunately for Baltimoreans, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said he wants to sign Lewis to a new contract, suggesting Lewis might even take a lesser paying contract than others may offer to ensure he finishes his career as a Raven.
“Are we going to get a hometown discount? I hope so. I really do,” Bisciotti told the local media. “That means we can find one more Jimmy Leonhard on the free-agent market with the money we save.”
If Lewis decides to resign with the Ravens for lesser value, he won’t be the only star player who’s made that sacrifice for the benefit of the team.
New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady signed a contract extension with his team in 2005 that paid him far less than a few other quarterbacks in the league were being paid so that his team could have more available funds to balance the team out with other quality contributors.
But Bisciotti is aware that Lewis, who’s been the face of the franchise throughout its entire existence, will not settle for less value than what he’s worth.
“Ray is not going to settle for something that he thinks is way below [his market value],” Bisciotti said. “If he wants to go out there and maximize his money and somebody is desperate for that kind of leadership, then there may be a big gap. And I'm not going to say to Oz [general manager Ozzie Newsome], ‘Go do it under any circumstances.’”
Throughout his 13 years in the NFL, Lewis has easily become one of the greatest defensive players in league history, and he continued to produce this season with a total of 117 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
But according to Bisciotti, Lewis’s legacy and value extends beyond his production on the field.
“There are very few people that I know in sports that transcend their statistics, and we had the luxury of watching Cal Ripken simultaneously do the same thing to the Orioles,” Bisciotti said. “I think they bring a sense of continuity and leadership that we’re all looking for. I think Ray has given Baltimore that. I certainly don’t want to see him in another uniform."
posted by The Gryphon at 8:12 PM
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