Does anyone think Ray Rice could hold out?

**Corey** · 04-02-2012, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by Tyrian

I also don't see Rice doing it. He said he's okay with the tag before, so unless he suddenly changes his mind, should be fine. Negotiating tactics like this always goes on, just business. He seems the kinda guy that loves the game too much and his teammates too much to hold out into the season. If he gets tagged a second year, I could sympathise with holding out.

If he does, I'd think it would be better for both parties in the long run to try and shop him for a trade even in the summer if they had to. At first, I was reluctant to the idea of letting Rice go as depriving yourself of weapons would be counter-productive, but the more I think about it, the more it makes long term sense. I certainly wouldn't blame him if he tries to go for the top dollar, it's his right to do so.

It only works if a fair deal is achieved. If he can stay, great - perfect. Failing this, hopefully, Rice will be okay with the franchise tag this year, has a great year (and uninjured for his sake) and then the Ravens decline to sign him next year. Already likely to be a big change next year anyway, so get it all out of the way in one offseason should it end up like that.

Context is crucial. I don't recall Rice saying he was ok playing under the tag. I recall him saying that the tag would give him and the Ravens more time to work out a long term deal. He was ok with it as long as a new contract got done. I don't know that he wouldn't play under the tag but I think it's to much to assume.

**leachisabeast** · 04-02-2012, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by Corey

Context is crucial. I don't recall Rice saying he was ok playing under the tag. I recall him saying that the tag would give him and the Ravens more time to work out a long term deal. He was ok with it as long as a new contract got done. I don't know that he wouldn't play under the tag but I think it's to much to assume.

No he did say he was ok with it since it happens quite a lot.

**srobert96** · 04-02-2012, 08:12 AM

He may skip OTAs but I expect him to be in camp.

**Benny8444** · 04-02-2012, 01:59 PM

He will probably speak with other team mates who have been tagged and played under it like Suggs. I expect him to skip OTAs and training camp while keeping in touch with the coaching staff. He will show up around the time camp ends for the 3Rd pre season game. There is no way he skips games

**Ravenous1** · 04-02-2012, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by Benny8444

He will probably speak with other team mates who have been tagged and played under it like Suggs. I expect him to skip OTAs and training camp while keeping in touch with the coaching staff. He will show up around the time camp ends for the 3Rd pre season game. There is no way he skips games

Pretty much agree with this. I think for this year he will play under the tag while skipping OTA's and part of camp. Not worried bout that, Ray is a pro and will be in shape and ready to go. I do think however if the Ravens tag him again next year, things could start to get a bit sticky so to speak.

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 04-03-2012, 02:13 PM

Ray isn't holding out into the season. I hope he is smarter than that.

I don't know...I consider myself to be a much bigger fan of the laundry than the players and I think some of you get too attached to some of them. When things like this happen it's a bunch of blame being put on other people.

Ray Rice wants significantly more than Foster got. I think he feels that he is even owed that because he didn't bitch about his contract last year when he probably had every right to. This is going to be a long and drawn out deal...I don't know how it ends, but I can easily see him skipping most if not all of camp and if he really wants to dig his heals in, may even miss a couple games. Ray Rice is not above all that...no player is really.

Anyway, it pretty much looks like he will be skipping OTA's according to Aaron...

Sources: Ray Rice not planning to report without a new deal
by Aaron Wilson of Scout.com, April 3, 2012 at 2:54 pm ET

Ray Rice Profile

OWINGS MILLS -- Although Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice indicated today during the unveiling of the new Nike uniforms that he looks forward to attending offseason workouts, sources close to the situation stressed that Rice won't be reporting until he has a new contract.

**wickedsolo** · 04-03-2012, 02:44 PM

More snaps for Double A.

**Bhcforlife** · 04-03-2012, 03:27 PM

I can't recall the Ravens ever having a player hold out of actual regular season games, has anyone? I know a few guys have held out over camp/preseason, but not the regular season. Don't think Rice will be the first but I don't think the Ravens are going to budge either.

**festivus** · 04-03-2012, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

I don't know...I consider myself to be a much bigger fan of the laundry than the players and I think some of you get too attached to some of them. When things like this happen it's a bunch of blame being put on other people.

That's the truth.

There is one things that will make me sentimentally attached to a player:
1. Be nice, when the situation arises, to my son.

I'm a big fan of Joe Flacco and former Ravens Haruki Nakamura and Matt Katula, among others, for doing that. Flacco in particular was outstanding in the way he dealt with people, including my kid.

I could give or take Ray Rice, who we've never met.

**leachisabeast** · 04-03-2012, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

I don't know...I consider myself to be a much bigger fan of the laundry than the players and I think some of you get too attached to some of them. When things like this happen it's a bunch of blame being put on other people.

I disagree personally, it's the players who define that uniform. Look at Ray Lewis who has been a Raven since 1996! There are some players I could care less about who are obviously here for the money and don't really care about being a raven like Bryant McKinnie. But most of our starting players are either players who where drafted by us, or are modest players who wanted to come to Baltimore because of the reputation we have over money. I look at players like Yanda who took a pay cut to remain a Raven, how can you not get attached to players like that? I think if your a fan of a team like the Redskins, then I would agree with you with this.

**Ravenswintitle** · 04-03-2012, 06:18 PM

http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=1...=6160236&fhn=1

OWINGS MILLS -- Although Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice indicated today during the unveiling of the new Nike uniforms that he looks forward to attending offseason workouts, sources close to the situation stressed that Rice won't be reporting until he has a new contract.

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 04-03-2012, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

I disagree personally, it's the players who define that uniform. Look at Ray Lewis who has been a Raven since 1996! There are some players I could care less about who are obviously here for the money and don't really care about being a raven like Bryant McKinnie. But most of our starting players are either players who where drafted by us, or are modest players who wanted to come to Baltimore because of the reputation we have over money. I look at players like Yanda who took a pay cut to remain a Raven, how can you not get attached to players like that? I think if your a fan of a team like the Redskins, then I would agree with you with this.

Ray Lewis like all the rest of our players will be gone one day. The laundry is what I root for and I want what is best for the Ravens...not the players no matter who they are. I appreciate to the fullest what they do for the Ravens while they are here, but if there comes a point when it's best for a player to leave, I will support and back the team 100%. The Ravens will always be here, nobody can say the same for any player on any roster.

Ray Rice, just like Ray Lewis and the rest of the guys are looking out for themselves...and I hold no grudges for that. I also am not putting those guys on a pedestal in regards to thinking they are above most other players when it comes to business. It is what it is.

**bmorebirds_24** · 04-03-2012, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

Ray Lewis like all the rest of our players will be gone one day. The laundry is what I root for and I want what is best for the Ravens...not the players no matter who they are. I appreciate to the fullest what they do for the Ravens while they are here, but if there comes a point when it's best for a player to leave, I will support and back the team 100%. The Ravens will always be here, nobody can say the same for any player on any roster.

Ray Rice, just like Ray Lewis and the rest of the guys are looking out for themselves...and I hold no grudges for that. I also am not putting those guys on a pedestal in regards to thinking they are above most other players when it comes to business. It is what it is.

You're last two posts were 100% spot on.

Well said!

**leachisabeast** · 04-03-2012, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

Ray Lewis like all the rest of our players will be gone one day. The laundry is what I root for and I want what is best for the Ravens...not the players no matter who they are. I appreciate to the fullest what they do for the Ravens while they are here, but if there comes a point when it's best for a player to leave, I will support and back the team 100%. The Ravens will always be here, nobody can say the same for any player on any roster.

Ray Rice, just like Ray Lewis and the rest of the guys are looking out for themselves...and I hold no grudges for that. I also am not putting those guys on a pedestal in regards to thinking they are above most other players when it comes to business. It is what it is.

I totally agree with most of what you said here, but none of that was my argument. I'm not saying players should ever come before the team from a fans prospective, however there is no shame for a player to become attached to another player and hope to hell he remains with the team even if it means harming the teams cap situation. Obviously the player needs to be an elite player in the NFL to be considered that kind of commitment. I know that Ray Lewis will be gone soon, but remember that he has been with the Ravens since they began back in 1996, and I very much doubt the Ravens would have been what they are today or what they are known for if we hadn't drafted him, and I also doubt that we would have won the superbowl without him either.

**RavNMadMan** · 04-03-2012, 11:47 PM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=1...=6160236&fhn=1

A little blurb on the WBAL News at 11 indicated as much that RR might holdout.....we shall see...if it's the minicamps, OTAs maybe but I doubt it extends further than that.

**srobert96** · 04-04-2012, 06:29 AM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

I totally agree with most of what you said here, but none of that was my argument. I'm not saying players should ever come before the team from a fans prospective, however there is no shame for a player to become attached to another player and hope to hell he remains with the team even if it means harming the teams cap situation. Obviously the player needs to be an elite player in the NFL to be considered that kind of commitment. I know that Ray Lewis will be gone soon, but remember that he has been with the Ravens since they began back in 1996, and I very much doubt the Ravens would have been what they are today or what they are known for if we hadn't drafted him, and I also doubt that we would have won the superbowl without him either.

I understand and agree with what you are saying. I think most people do as well which is why you are not hearing people calling for Ed Reed and Ray Lewis to be cut. They are certainly getting paid more than there current play would dictate but what's one more year of carrying a high cap number for them with everything they have given to the franchise. I don't think Ray Rice has earned that distinction yet. I like Ray Rice but am starting to sour on him with some of the things I hear with regards to his contract negotiations. I realize it is a business and his livelihood but it doesn't mean it won't affect my opinion.

**Corey** · 04-04-2012, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

No he did say he was ok with it since it happens quite a lot.

No. He said he was ok with it as an opportunity to extend contract negotiations. That's totally different than saying I am ok with PLAYING under the tag. Most players fight PLAYING under the tag tooth and nail and Rice will not be any different.

He's making it clear that he's going to take the advice of his agent. If his agent says holdout a holdout is coming.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/ey...talks-ap-money

**Corey** · 04-04-2012, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by srobert96

I understand and agree with what you are saying. I think most people do as well which is why you are not hearing people calling for Ed Reed and Ray Lewis to be cut. They are certainly getting paid more than there current play would dictate but what's one more year of carrying a high cap number for them with everything they have given to the franchise. I don't think Ray Rice has earned that distinction yet. I like Ray Rice but am starting to sour on him with some of the things I hear with regards to his contract negotiations. I realize it is a business and his livelihood but it doesn't mean it won't affect my opinion.

Your serious? You do realize that Ray Rice has been the team's starter for 3 years and for all 3 years his backup made significantly more money then him. Last season the Ravens were paying his freaking FB MORE than him. Think about that for a second. This is the guy giving you nearly 2000 yards per season and you've got a guy that rarely if ever touches the football(FB) and the guy who comes in for clean up duty (back up RB) making more than the most productive player on offense.

Rice has every right in the world to scrap for every last penny. He's already given the Ravens a discount, why do fans expect him to give another one?

**pslholder96** · 04-04-2012, 09:10 AM

The notion that some fans will change their opinion of Ray Rice because he's thinking about holding out is a little sad. If you're attached to him you should be rooting for him to get a deal done quickly. It's easy for all of us to comment on Ray's inclination to holding out but put yourself in his shoes. He's outpeformed his original contract and now wants fair market value and long term job security. What is fair market value? That's for Ozzie and Ray Rice to decide. My point is our opinion of Ray shouldn't change if he were to not participate in any OTAs. Should he miss most of training camp then I can see why opinions may sour at that point. Here's hoping we don't get that far.