Ray Wants Contract Extension

[PurpleRulz]

http://blogs.baltimoresun.com/sports_football_ravens/

If a new contract could significantly lower his cap number, I would do it. We could give him more upfront money and backload the deal beyond the 2008 Over-30 cap purge after the 2008 season.

Thoughts?

[RavensNTerps]

like i said a million times when i knew this would happen...trade his ass, re-sign AD.

[Bez513]

Here we go again....:grbac:

[PurpleRulz]

What is the big deal? If Ray Lewis talking about being the "highest paid player" then of course, that's a no. Otherwise, re-doing Ray's deal could actually benefit the cap. Ray just wants upfront money. Right now his cap number around 6.5 to 7M. That is way too much for a LB well in his 30s. BRavor of course could give more substantive examples of how a new deal could help the cap.

I don't know how much time is left on Ray's current deal. (I believe it is two years). Let's say he is due 6.5M in 2007 and 7M in 2008. Why can't we just turn all of that into a signing bonus of say 12M and spread it over 5 more years and backload the money after the 2008 season, then give Ray a very low annual salary. (Again, just throwing numbers out. BRavor could do this much better).

[festivus]

The cap implications are the key to whether this is:thumbup: or :thumbdown: .

Bmore Ravor, are you there? :)

[WxKevin]

We only have 1 or maybe 2 years in this window. Give him money upfront, back load the contract to readdress the issue in 2 years. At that point, and I hate saying this because Ray is my favorite player, it is probably time to let him go.

[festivus]

We only have 1 or maybe 2 years in this window. Give him money upfront, back load the contract to readdress the issue in 2 years. At that point, and I hate saying this because Ray is my favorite player, it is probably time to let him go.

He's not getting a new contract with frontloaded money, that's for sure. We are pretty tight in cap space and there's no room for that now.

The *only* way it might happen is with an extension and *backloaded* money. Hypothetically he has 2 years, $2xmillion each left. We can help ourselves with a renegotiated contract of 4 years, year 1 $1xmillion, year 2 $2xmillion, years 3 and 4 $4xmillion. I doubt *he* would want that deal, because years 3 and 4 are not guaranteed, but then his cap number this *coming* year would go from $2x to $1x, which would be nice in the short term.

The whole thing is almost certainly not going to happen, because though under my hypothetical it helps the team, I seriously doubt Ray would go for a deal like that.

[Ravens0587]

well the only thing that matters to him is not wheter it's front or backloaded. He wants the signing bonus which he gets all up front right now guaranteed and thats pro rated throught the life of the contract

[festivus]

If he expects a signing bonus this offseason he's just being a fool.

[Ravens0587]

Well duh whats an extension w/o a bonus

[sopranocorleone]

If he gets his contract restructured, the team will push off absorbing a bigger cap hit in the future. That's the rub of lowering his salary this season to save some money.

On the flip side, if they are able the manage their cap with Lewis' current salary accounted for, they could save a lot more money when they release him in a year or two, and not deal with a lot of dead money.

I think the Ravens can manage just fine with Ray Lewis' deal structured the way it is right now.

[Mobtown]

If he expects a signing bonus this offseason he's just being a fool.


Why? He just completed one of his best best years ever...I think he timed this very well.

[UKRavenStockers]

Why? He just completed one of his best best years ever...I think he timed this very well.

I can't see how this was one of his best years by any stretch of the imagination. :nerd:

[festivus]

Why? He just completed one of his best best years ever...I think he timed this very well.
Regardless of whether this is true, the money's not there. We are tight against the cap this off season.

[bassgtrst]

http://media.travelgolf.com/tg_blog_media/warning%20sign.jpg

Warning Mike Preston Content! Warning Mike Preston Content!

Preston said the same shit last year, and he said Ray and Reed werent talking anymore.

He has some sort of vendetta against Ray Lewis.

Thanks you and remember, always question the source!

http://media.travelgolf.com/tg_blog_media/warning%20sign.jpg

[PARavensJeff]

What is the big deal? If Ray Lewis talking about being the "highest paid player" then of course, that's a no. Otherwise, re-doing Ray's deal could actually benefit the cap. Ray just wants upfront money. Right now his cap number around 6.5 to 7M. That is way too much for a LB well in his 30s. BRavor of course could give more substantive examples of how a new deal could help the cap.

I don't know how much time is left on Ray's current deal. (I believe it is two years). Let's say he is due 6.5M in 2007 and 7M in 2008. Why can't we just turn all of that into a signing bonus of say 12M and spread it over 5 more years and backload the money after the 2008 season, then give Ray a very low annual salary. (Again, just throwing numbers out. BRavor could do this much better).


Ray's cap hit as it stands right now for the 2007 season is almost $9.5 M if I'm not mistaken. B-more has the exact numbers for sure & can better explain than me, he's our expert on the cap. His current deal has 2 years left. Ray knows the Ravens are in a tight spot w/ the cap & sees a chance to lower his cap # & get that guarenteed bonus $$ upfront w/ the Ravens spreading out a new deal over 5 or 6 years. That's the way I read this.

[Ravens0587]

Warning Mike Preston Content! Warning Mike Preston Content!

Preston said the same shit last year, and he said Ray and Reed werent talking anymore.

He has some sort of vendetta against Ray Lewis.

Thanks you and remember, always question the source!

Yeah but for the most part he is on the money about stuff

[Mobtown]

I can't see how this was one of his best years by any stretch of the imagination. :nerd:

164 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 9 passes defensed is a good year by anyone's standards.

[B-more Ravor]

What is the big deal? If Ray Lewis talking about being the "highest paid player" then of course, that's a no. Otherwise, re-doing Ray's deal could actually benefit the cap. Ray just wants upfront money. Right now his cap number around 6.5 to 7M. That is way too much for a LB well in his 30s. BRavor of course could give more substantive examples of how a new deal could help the cap.

I don't know how much time is left on Ray's current deal. (I believe it is two years). Let's say he is due 6.5M in 2007 and 7M in 2008. Why can't we just turn all of that into a signing bonus of say 12M and spread it over 5 more years and backload the money after the 2008 season, then give Ray a very low annual salary. (Again, just throwing numbers out. BRavor could do this much better).

Ray has 2 years left on his deal. His base salaries in 2007 and 2008 is $6.5M per year and his cap number for each year is $9.429M.

While it is true that extending his deal would very much lessen those cap numbers for 2007 and 2008, the question for me is whether Ray is only interested in the $12-13M? After all, there really isn't a lot of difference between getting it all now versus over the next 2 years. Unfortunately, my guess is that Ray wants a deal that would pay him significantly more over the next 2-3 years than what his present deal calls for. That, IMO, is why they have again, apparently, said "no".

Similarly, if the bonus was $12M (over a 5-year deal), then they would still have $7.2M in accounted-for bonus money to account for beyond his present deal (2009), which, I'm guessing, is beyond the point that they feel he will be able to maintain a level of solid contribution. Now, if they feel that he can play for 3 or 4 more years, then it would make sense to do such a deal to lessen his present cap number, but, again, since they haven't been willing to do so, I think that answers the question as to what they are thinking.

EDIT: To be clear, I'm not saying that Ray won't get an extension, and perhaps this is all part of the negotiation process, but so far, there is nothing leading me to think that they will give him a new deal - even if we do need the cap space.

[ravenwoman]

Keep the contract as is. A deal is a deal. I am sick and tired of all these players and coaches trying to get out of contracts which are legally binding documents.

I would never amend any contract for a player, no matter how much he needed the money.

[PurpleRulz]

Keep the contract as is. A deal is a deal. I am sick and tired of all these players and coaches trying to get out of contracts which are legally binding documents.

I would never amend any contract for a player, no matter how much he needed the money.

The only problem with that theory is that teams can alter deals (i.e. salary cap cuts, etc.). I have no problem with players want new deals. The problem with NFL contracts is that players want deals for what they did in the past whereas MLB players get deals as to what their current/future potential projects to be.

[Ravens0587]

yeah teams can just as easily cut you when it doesn't feel the need to use you anymore.

The NFL is a machine it just uses players for as long as they are good and then your done, I won't look down upon someone trying to get their money

[bassgtrst]

Yeah but for the most part he is on the money about stuff

Except when he was way off and turned half the fanbase on Ray, just last year.

This is exactly how it started last year. Next he will say they wont give him an extension, then itll be that X team has offered a 2nd and then finally a timeline will be formulated for his trade. Once the said timeline has expired everyone realizes that Preston was just BSing again.

Just be careful guys.

[purplepoe]

Just look at this quote:

"It's looks like mighty Ray has struck out again."

So he's telling us that less than 2 weeks after the season they've already had talks and nothing is gonna happen?

Anyone else think that most of the organization is taking a little time off to regroup and start focusing on the offseason?

Im not saying there hasn't been some talk because we don't know. However, Preston sure seems to have slanted view on the topic.

And the last time I heard Ray, he was very positive talking about this past season and about getting geared up for next season.

PP

[GreenWave52]

If we can lower Ray's cap consequence, extend his deal 2 years, while giving him most of the upfront money he wants this could be a winning situation all the way around. Ray is far from washed up.

At the very least he has the right to ask for an extension so there is no reason to bash him for that.

[festivus]

Im not saying there hasn't been some talk because we don't know. However, Preston sure seems to have slanted view on the topic.
This is because Preston is a cynic.

Being a cynic means moaning when things are going well and moaning/gloating when things are going poorly. It's easy, and cheap.

If for instance the FO pays Ray, he can moan about the front office. If they don't, he can moan about Ray. With the right mindset, you could write Preston's columns for him, see how easy it is?

[purplepoe]

This is because Preston is a cynic.

Being a cynic means moaning when things are going well and moaning/gloating when things are going poorly. It's easy, and cheap.

If for instance the FO pays Ray, he can moan about the front office. If they don't, he can moan about Ray. With the right mindset, you could write Preston's columns for him, see how easy it is?

Believe me, I know Preston's MO.

There should be an asterisk next to any thread started that is relying on or using his columns as a basis for conversation.

Sure, he gets some info and writes about it. But he absolutely makes shit sometimes and has obvious agendas.

PP

[bassgtrst]

Anyone else think that most of the organization is taking a little time off to regroup and start focusing on the offseason?

The Ravens havent even had their end of the year PC yet, that is tommorow.

This story is about as unsinkable as the Titanic at this point.

[highwater]

Yeah but for the most part he is on the money about stuff

If you're talking about Preston, no, he's not. He's been proven to be either (A) wrong or (B) a flat out liar on many occasions.

As far as Ray really wanting a new deal, I can't add much to what B-more has said in his post, except that this sounds (if there's any truth to it) like an ego move by Ray. I don't see why the Ravens would do anything at this point except honor the existing contract.

[Tspot-D-Ravenator]

Why? He just completed one of his best best years ever...I think he timed this very well.

:iagree:

[mavhimself]

i say we hold the phone on any judgement in this case, for 2 reasons:

1) this info is coming from mike preston who, as we've established here, is not exactly one of the shining lights to come out of THE Towson University.

2) this info is coming from mike preston who hasn't exactly been the biggest fan of brian billick or ray lewis over the years.

and yes, i agree, the nfl is a cruel business, which is why i think ray is asking for this. he knows he doesn't have much time left and wants one more pay day.

[PurpleRulz]

Lets translate...the NFL uses players as long as they are good and then your done=====as long as your productive in your job means you keep your job if not your fired...............Sounds like any other job in the terms. Screw them and their millions. I can not believe I spend thousands on season tix every year...

Let me further translate. When a person has been on the job for a certain amount of years and have contributed mightly to that company's success, what does that person do? Ask for a raise. Ask for more job security.

Bottomline, when a player has lost his productiveness that player is cut and he loses the rest of his contract/salary. (And we are the main ones ready to cut players in the middle of their contracts: i.e. Rolle, Vincent, Flynn, Jamal, etc.) When a player, however, has performed well and was a significant piece to a 13-3 season and another playoff visit, you ask for a raise.

American capitalism at its best.:usa:

[Ravens0587]

yeah but if your job includes a contract I don't think you are let go w/o some sort of compensation

[Gabrosin]

I, for one, think we should get him a new deal, if it is in any way reasonable.

He is nearing the end of his current deal and his salaries for the two upcoming seasons are very high. By extending his deal, we can drop his cap number for the next few years and give him a signing bonus to be spread over the life of the deal. We also get to keep one of our legends a Raven, effectively for the rest of his career.

A 5-6 year contract (so, a 3-4 year extension/restructuring of his current deal) with a reasonable signing bonus (not one of the biggest at his position, but worthy of the top ten) will help Ray and the team. Ray gets some up front money, we get some cap relief.

In three or four years, when Ray is closing on retirement, we can review whether or not to release him. By then, we'll have only half the signing bonus to deal with (or less, depending on how long we go before dealing with the situation again) and we'll likely be in a position to absorb it, if we have to cut him. We could spread it out over two years and realize a significant savings anyway, assuming that we couldn't take it all in one year.

The only real risk is that Ray gets hurt and retires shortly after we give him the extension... or his level of play falls off the face of the earth, which seems unlikely. And you can say that about any football player; look at LeCharles Bentley for the Browns, who might be out for all of next season now too. And he's what, 25?

This would be the time to extend Ray Lewis. Maybe it means we keep AD. Maybe it means we have an easier time extending Terrell Suggs (who should be in line to get his contract worked out right now, thanks to triggering that escalator). With guys like Heap, Reed, McAlister, and Scott locked up for the foreseeable future, we are not looking at a "closing window" for Super Bowl contention... unless you believe that we'll fall back into a funk when McNair is no longer our starter. Yes, our defense could carry on right now with a replacement for Ray Lewis... but there's just no need for it. Extend him and get those high base salaries off the books.

[RavensNTerps]

yeah i'm sure Ray Lewis is saying "Let me make less money to lower the cap number so we can re-sign AD"

when a year ago he wanted to be the highest paid player in the league...

he's past his prime...a top 10 MLB but no where near as integral to the success of our defense as AD...that doesn't discredit what he does...he's still a damn good player...but he's not doing this for the best of the team, and i'm all for trading him while he still has some (prob 3rd round) value.

[Gabrosin]

It's not a matter of him "agreeing to make less money". For him, it's about getting money now.

If Ray suffers another serious injury during training camp, the team could release him with an injury settlement and not pay him much of anything. He has no security against such a move because his contract doesn't make it less appealing to let him go. He may have two years left with high numbers, but those numbers mean nothing if the team gets rid of him. There's no guarantee. If he gets an extension, he gets money right now in the form of a signing bonus. That would be the incentive for him.

He doesn't strike me as incompetent; it would be ludicrous for him to expect a contract that would make him among the highest-paid in the game. He already had one of those, and basically they only happen once. If that's what he's asking for, then we can let him play out his deal and see if he becomes more reasonable as his value declines with age, or we can suck it up, release him, and move on. But if we can get him to agree to an extension that matches his value now (as opposed to his value five years ago), then we should get it done.

[Rochardrik]

Keep the contract as is. A deal is a deal. I am sick and tired of all these players and coaches trying to get out of contracts which are legally binding documents.

I would never amend any contract for a player, no matter how much he needed the money.

Hmmmm, Why does this not surprise me? U R TUFF raven woman!:hammer: :hammer:

[PurpleRulz]

In most jobs when you stop producing, your let go. No company keeps dead weight. It is unproductive. The NFL is no different. Thats why I have no problem with the T.O's of the world of asking for more money...WHILE THEY ARE PRODUCIVE>>>>NOT READY TO RETIRE so your statement...Let me further translate. When a person has been on the job for a certain amount of years and have contributed mightly to that company's success, what does that person do? Ask for a raise. Ask for more job security. makes no sense


You need to go back and read what I said again. I agreed with your argument (even though it is shortsighted) that an unproductive person is let go from a job. That said, when a person is productive and instrumental to a company's success, that person asks for a raise.

It is no different for the NFL players. Ray Lewis feels he was instrumental in our 13-3 season (and he was), so he has a right to ask for a raise (or new contract).

[B-more Ravor]

I just wanted to point out exactly what Preston said - and didn't say:


Ray-Ray
Middle linebacker Ray Lewis has apparently not given up on trying to get a contract extension. The Ravens have given Lewis an extension almost every season, but have denied him one the past two years. Apparently, it's going to be a third straight year.

It's looks like mighty Ray has struck out again.

Posted by Mike Preston on January 24, 2007 at 8:21 AM

At no point does he say that Ray has actually ask for an extension. Preston is only saying that apparently Ray hasn't given up an extension. Similarly, at no point did he say that the Ravens did reject anything or that they even had anything to reject.

So, is it a prediction or speculation?

Who knows?

Maybe a "source" told Preston that Ray does have plans to ask and Preston has been told by someone in the FO that if Ray does ask, he'll be denied.

But, again, who knows?

So what exactly is the purpose of this blog?

So, now this one little blog - about something that hasn't apparently even happened and possibly, may never happen - will take a life of its own, and already there is a blurb in USAToday saying that Ray has asked for an extension and has been denied, crediting The Sun as the source. :rolleyes: