NFL NETWORK announced that Looks like hes not going to return to Baltimore this year, and Baltimore's D will be no more. Poor Ed Reed
If I was a Ravens fan I'd be more concerned about losing Bart Scott. They can replace Lewis' on field contribution. They can find anyone to fall on the pile. It's his locker room stuff that they will miss.
Yeah the guy is still playing at a high level. Hes an all time great LB, and he is the face of that franchise. Losing him will hurt more than Scott, at least in the short term. Losing both will hurt quite a bit. The big question is where he goes now. The Jets might not have the cap or desire, the Cowboys have not expressed a public interest. Where?
I'm sorry, hate him or not, but you just don't replace someone with the leadership and intangibles that Ray Lewis has. He has consistently lead a great defense every single year since before 1999. That defense has gone through personnel changes, but one constant remained for over a decade: Ray Lewis.
They will be fine. There back ups are good too and good enough to start. Plus they will draft defensive players. They also still have Terrell Suggs.
Ray Lewis is not significantly better than Zach Thomas. He has a bigger mouth and more INTs, that's all.
I love Zach, but I would never say he was better than Lewis. Lewis is certainly a polarizing player, and he doesnt make it easy for non Ravens fans to like him with his brash style, but the guy has been a monster for years.
Snippet from NFL.com's Adam Schefter. Seems Lewis is willing to go back to Baltimore for the right price, but isnt in a hurry to make a decision.