RELAX!
It’s all part of the process.
Ray Lewis isn’t stupid. He’s playing the role the right way and I’m sure he’s getting some coaching from agent David Dunn. He might even have some accomplices like the NFL Network’s Jamie Dukes. It’s all about creating leverage and the more interest Ray Lewis has, either real or conjured, the more chips he can take to the poker table.
Who among you watched that interview of Ray and Dukes and didn’t walk away thinking the entire thing was staged – right down to the neutral all-white Boston Red Sox cap. Not sure? Then have another look
here.Some may be panicking. Some of you may be clamoring for the Ravens to offer Ray the deal he wants right now BEFORE he hits the open market. But then the advantage goes to Ray because at this point the sides are so far apart that they need the sanity check and that is exactly what the open market will provide.
Let’s face it, Ray is somewhat of an enigma. He isn’t supposed to be this productive after 13 physical NFL seasons at middle linebacker. Yet he keeps on going but for how long? Do the Ravens pay him for what he’s done in the past or for what he will do in the future? Do they treat him differently because he’s the team leader and the face of the Ravens? Where does the bidding begin?
You see that is the real problem in the equation – what is the starting point. Ray believes that he has another five years to play and he wants another $20 million guaranteed. History says Ray is delirious and that 34 year old linebackers just aren’t that productive.
So why should the Ravens bid against themselves? Let Ray see what others are willing to offer him. If the Cowboys or Jets offer Ray the number he is seeking, don’t you think that David Dunn will bring that offer back to Ozzie Newsome before Ray signs on the dotted line? Of course he will he has everything to gain and nothing to lose. And then there’s a good chance that the number Dunn actually lands is somewhere between what the Ravens have already offered and what Dunn is asking today.
You just have to let this play out.
No blinking allowed!
Steve Bisciotti has built his fortune in part on his ability to negotiate. So let him negotiate. Let him play the high stakes poker game.
At the end of the proverbial day, Ray Lewis will be going nowhere and when he does return, all the talk about T.O. and Brett Favre will be quickly forgotten.
In the meantime, take a deep breath and enjoy the game of Baltimore Hold ‘Em.
