Now that the free agent signing period has begun, NFL fans are hearing players, agents and the media discuss various free agency rumors and scenarios. The Baltimore Ravens, unlike player agents and the media, are not at liberty to disclose the majority of details related to any particular player's free agent status until the information is official. However, in order to keep our fans up to date on the latest rumors, we have compiled a "Rumor Mill" that summarizes speculation related to Ravens free agency. Please note that the "Rumor Mill" should not be seen as a confirmation or denial by the Baltimore Ravens' organization of the veracity of these reports. When the Ravens organization makes an official free agency move, you will find it on baltimoreravens.com.
2009 FREE AGENTS | 2009 KEY FREE AGENCY DATES |FREE AGENCY FAQ
RUMORS/NEWS
L.J. Smith expected to sign with Ravens Friday
Baltimore Sun- March 19, 2009
L.J. Smith is expected to sign with the Ravens after completing his physical Friday.
Samari to Rolle Into Town
New York Daily News - March 19, 2009
Still in the market for an experienced third cornerback, the Jets are scheduled to visit with former Raven Samari Rolle.
**Ex-Ravens CB Ivy signs with Browns**
NFL.com - March 19, 2009
The Cleveland Browns have signed veteran cornerback Corey Ivy, the team announced Thursday.
**Pace, Smith could take physicals Thursday**
Baltimore Sun - March 19, 2009
Tight end L.J. Smith likely won't sign with the Ravens Thursday because his physical is scheduled for Thursday. Once he passes, the six-year veteran will sign a one-year, $1.5 million deal. Smith would give the Ravens some increased size inside the red zone. Offensive tackle Orlando Pace will arrive in Baltimore on Wednesday night and visit with team officials on Thursday. Pace, a seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle, would play right tackle for the Ravens. It is believed the sides haven't begun serious negotiations.
**Ravens on Pace to fill hole at right tackle**
Baltimore Sun -March 19, 2009
Orlando Pace could become the most prominent right tackle in Ravens history … if he's healthy. Injury issues appear to be the biggest question mark for Pace, who is scheduled to meet team officials today.
**Ivy Picks The Browns**
Profootballtalk.com -March 18, 2009
Cornerback Corey Ivy has decided to stay in the division. The former Ravens defender has agreed to terms with the Browns Per a league source, it's a one-year deal.
**Ravens, Pace to Meet**
NBCSports.com -March 18, 2009
Orlando Pace, released last week by the St. Louis Rams, is expected in Baltimore Wednesday night for a free agent visit with the Ravens.
**Ravens to sign L.J. Smith**
Baltimore Sun - March 17, 2009
The Ravens are expected to sign tight end L.J. Smith on Wednesday, a league source said. The parameters of a one-year, $1.5 million deal are in place with Smith, the source added. Smith, 28, the best tight end left in free agency, is scheduled to meet with the Ravens Wednesday.
Carr expects to sign with Ravens todayBaltimore Sun- March 17, 2009
Chris Carr, a free-agent returner and cornerback, told The Baltimore Sun he expects to sign with the Ravens after his physical today. Carr, 25, who played for the Tennessee Titans last season, has agreed in principle on a two-year, $5 million contract.
Ravens set to sign ex-Titans cornerback Carr
Baltimore Sun - March 14, 2009
Chris Carr, a free-agent return specialist and backup cornerback, has reached an agreement in principle with the Ravens, a league source confirmed today. Carr, 25, will sign a two-year, $5 million contract on Monday at Ravens headquarters.
**Samari Rolle request granted, Ravens to release Pro Bowl cornerback**
jocklife -March 13, 2009
Breaking news divulged exclusively to www.jocklife.com from an anonymous league source revealing that Ozzie Newsome and the Baltimore Ravens are going to grant Samari Rolle's request to be released.
**No change in Boldin status, says Graves**
azcentral.com - March 12, 2009
General Manager Rod Graves denied a report by profootballtalk.com that the team is "shopping" receiver Anquan Boldin to potential trade partners. The report was attributed to an unnamed NFL source. Via text message, Graves said the Cardinals position regarding Boldin has not changed.
Is Boldin On The Move?National Football Post- March 12, 2009
Is Boldin still available?
Probably. The possibility of a move grew some legs when Kurt Warner re-signed with Arizona. Why? Well, Warner provides some sense of security to the Cardinals and team management. He took this team — the one that used to be a running joke among fans and players — to the Super Bowl. He just signed a new contract that should keep him under center for the next two seasons, and they know that Warner can win a lot of football games even without Boldin at wide receiver. He has Larry Fitzgerald as his No.1 guy, and having Boldin on the roster isn't going to change that.
Ravens release Greisen
Baltimore Sun- March 12, 2009
The Ravens released backup inside linebacker Nick Greisen today after two seasons with the team. Greisen, 29, made only five tackles on defense last season, which was 33 fewer than he had the previous season. He also finished fifth with 12 special teams tackles last season. His release comes one year after he signed a three-year, $4 million contract with the Ravens (which included a $1 signing bonus). The Ravens saved $400,000 in salary-cap space and now have a little over $2 million in cap room.
Rams Get Approval on DealScout.com - March 11, 2009
The St. Louis Rams got approval on C Jason Brown's contract, Scout.com has confirmed. The league disapproved the original contract, but the new contract was approved on Tuesday, a source said. The Sports Xchange's Howard Balzer reported the problem in the original deal involved a $2.3 million buyback clause in the final year.
Ray Lewis deal officially for 7 years, $44.5 million
Baltimore Sun - March 11, 2009
Ray Lewis officially signed his contract, and it locks him up for longer than previously believed. According to the NFL Players Association, the Pro Bowl middle linebacker officially signed a seven-year deal that totals $44.5 million, including $12.25 million in bonuses.
Rams Working to Adjust Jason Brown's Contract
Scout.com - March 10, 2009
The St. Louis Rams and agents for Jason Brown are working to adjust the contract signed by the free-agent center after it was disapproved by the league.
Packers cornerback will visit Ravens
Baltimore Sun - March 10, 2009
Cornerback Jarrett Bush is scheduled to visit the Ravens tomorrow. A restricted free agent from the Green Bay Packers, Bush is regarded as a strong special teams player who can also provide depth at cornerback and safety. Bush, who is 6 feet, 200 pounds, also met with the Tennessee Titans on Monday. The Ravens are looking for a second-tier cornerback to fill the void left by Corey Ivy.
Ray Lewis signs contractCarroll County Times - March 10, 2009
Baltimore Ravens All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis has officially signed his three-year, $22 million contract, finalizing the agreement he reached last week with team officials. The two-time NFL Defensive Player of the agreed to terms last Wednesday, but didn't immediately sign the incentive-laden deal. Now, Lewis is officially under contract with the Ravens through the 2011 season. The 10-time Pro Bowl selection's seven-year, $50 million contract that he signed in 2002 expired after last season.
Mason hints at leaving RavensBaltimore Sun –March 10, 2009
Pushing hard for a contract extension, Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason intimated he would want to be released if he didn't receive one. He is entering the final year of his five-year, $20 million contract. His agent has approached the Ravens about a new contract, Mason said. "I don't know if I'm going to be back," Mason told the NFL Network last week.
Newsome: Stover could be Raven againBaltimore Sun - March 7, 2009
A day after Matt Stover said he is no longer wanted by the Ravens, general manager Ozzie Newsome declined to comment on whether the veteran kicker is in the team's immediate plans but said there is a chance that he could return here. "Is the door closed on him coming back to kick in Baltimore? No, it's not," Newsome said yesterday.
Mason seeking contract extension from Ravens
NFL.com - March 6, 2009
Derrick Mason has no doubts that he wants to continue playing football. Whether that happens in Baltimore remains to be seen.
Stover feels kicked out by Ravens
Baltimore Sun - March 6, 2009
Matt Stover, the Ravens' kicker for their entire existence, said last night that he is no longer wanted by the team. Stover, a free agent, said he approached the Ravens with an offer he had received from the New York Jets on Monday. The Ravens informed him they were moving on, according to the kicker, 41, the only player remaining from the team's relocation from Cleveland. "At that point, we knew for sure their direction was not to keep me," Stover told The Baltimore Sun last night. "They want to go in another direction."
Source: Free-agent CB Paymah to visit Ravens
foxsports.com - March 5, 2009
Denver cornerback Karl Paymah is taking a free-agent visit today with Baltimore, a source told FOXSports.com.
Paymah is coming off a disappointing year with the Broncos. Tapped to replace injured starter Champ Bailey (groin) at midseason, Paymah lasted for only two games before reverting to a reserve role behind rookie Josh Bell.
Ravens tell Matt Stover he’s no longer in their 2009 planswnst.net- March 5, 2009
Earlier in the day, Ravens officials said they were still essentially "on the fence" regarding Matt Stover's future with the team. This afternoon, Matt Stover made it official telling the world that the Ravens have informed him that he's no longer in their plans.
Ravens not expected to pursue OwensBaltimore Sun - March 5, 2009
The Ravens aren't expected to show any interest in wide receiver Terrell Owens, a team source said. Owens, 35, who was officially released by the Dallas Cowboys today, isn't considered a good fit in the Ravens' "team-first" philosophy, the source added.
Newsome again makes all the right movesBaltimore Sun - March 5, 2009
In this space a month ago, the contract negotiations between the Ravens and Ray Lewis were described as the franchise's "biggest chess match ever." Looks like Ozzie Newsome just called checkmate.
Leonhard: Ravens never made legitimate offerBaltimore Sun - March 4, 2009
New Jets safety Jim Leonhard said earlier today that the Ravens never made a legitimate offer to keep him in Baltimore, either before or after New York made an offer. To be fair, Leonhard also said that he was neither shocked nor insulted that things worked out the way they did.
Childress speaks on birk’s departureProfootballtalk.com - March 4, 2009
Vikings coach Brad Childress, whose hot seat got a little hotter today as a result of the departure of local legend Matt Birk, has issued a statement regarding the decision of the six-time Pro Bowler to sign with the Ravens.
Three years, $12 million for birk?Profootballtalk.com - March 4, 2009
Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that the contract signed by Ravens center Matt Birk has a two-year term, and a total value of $9 million. Per Caplan, the deal contains $6 million in guaranteed money.
Birk Shores Up Ravens at Center
baltimoreravens.com - March 4, 2009
The Ravens came to an agreement in principle with center Matt Birk on a three-year contract. Birk, a six-time Pro Bowler, will sign his contract Thursday morning, after which the Ravens will hold an introductory press conference.
Ravens, Lewis Reach Agreement
baltimoreravens.com- March 4, 2009
After a storied 13-year career in Baltimore, Ray Lewis will continue that tenure after the Ravens reached an agreement on a multi-year contract with the linebacker Wednesday afternoon. "This will allow Ray to finish his career as a Raven," said general manager Ozzie Newsome. Newsome completed negotiations at approximately 4:00 p.m. Once the contract is completed over the next two weeks, the Ravens will hold a press conference with the linebacker to officially announce the signing.a;lkdfja
Lewis expected to re-sign with Ravens soonNFL.com - March 4, 2009
By the end of the week, and quite possibly in the next 24 hours, the Ravens and free-agent linebacker Ray Lewis are expected to finalize a deal as important to Baltimore as Warner's is to Arizona, league sources said Wednesday. The deal also is expected to be for less than the three years and $24 million that some have speculated. But it's not the numbers that matter to the Ravens and their fans. It's having Lewis' deal completed and having him back in Baltimore.
Free-agent center Matt Birk 'absolutely' considers RavensBaltimore Sun - March 4, 2009
The Ravens met with Matt Birk, a six-time Pro Bowl center from the Minnesota Vikings, for a little more than three hours yesterday at team headquarters. And the first free-agent visit of Birk's 11-year NFL career was a memorable one. Birk's wife, Adrianna, was shown houses in the area. Coach John Harbaugh and other team officials took Birk to dinner. And the team plans to bring him back to the facility today.
Birk To Decide Wednesday Between Ravens And VikingsProFootballTalk.com - March 3, 2009
As free-agent center Matt Birk wrapped up the first day of his visit with the Baltimore Ravens, he seems to be getting very close to resolving the situation. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Birk currently plans to make a decision between the Ravens and the Vikings on Wednesday.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason deserves some securityJocklife.net - March 3, 2009
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason has one year left on his contract and the Ravens are refusing to renegotiate a longer term deal. "Over the last 12 years of my career, particularly the last four, I have been one of, if not the, most consistent wide receivers in the NFL. I just want the security and I would look to discuss other options and would be very aggressive in doing so if Baltimore is not willing to meet me on this. I believe I earned the right for a three year deal and right now that is not working out but I will continue to do my job and possibly begin exploring other options."
Another Raven heads north: Leonhard signs with JetsNFL.com -March 3, 2009
Continuing to import help from Baltimore, the Jets reached agreement with Ravens free-agent safety Jim Leonhard on a three-year deal. For a while Tuesday, there was a hangup in talks. Initially, it looked as if Leonhard would be headed to the Jets, then the Broncos stepped in. Leonhard ultimately went back to the Jets. He now joins Rex Ryan and Bart Scott with the New York Ravens.
Source: Jets, Broncos vying for S LeonhardFoxSports.com - March 3, 2009
The free-agent happy Denver Broncos are trying to pry away what was thought to be a slam dunk signing for Rex Ryan and the New York Jets. A late bid by the Broncos has Ravens safety Jim Leonhard reconsidering his verbal agreement to sign a free-agent contract with the Jets, a source told FOXSports.com.
Ravens Cooling off on Marvel Smith?Baltimore Sun - March 3, 2009
It appears as if the Ravens' interest in Marvel Smith has cooled. The Ravens had exploratory talks with the free-agent offensive tackle over the weekend but didn't contact him yesterday. Smith, 30, the longtime left tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, missed the final 11games last season with a disc injury.
Random Ravens NotesBaltimore Sun - March 3, 2009
After the first weekend of free agency, the Ravens have approximately $10 million in salary-cap space left. Safety Jim Leonhard left his visit with the New York Jets without a contract. He next could meet with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Theismann: 'There aren't a whole lot of options' for Ravens' LewisCarroll County Times - March 3, 2009
As the Baltimore Ravens continue to haggle with All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis, sentiment continues to build in NFL circles that Lewis should come to grips with the reality that the high-profile bidding war he had envisioned isn't going to happen.
Scott Wants Several Ravens to Migrate ESPN.com - March 2, 2009
One of Bart Scott's responsibilities, he figures, is recruiting as many Baltimore Ravens as he can to join him with the New York Jets. Ryan identified Scott as a player he wanted to bring with him to the Jets. Safety Jim Leonhard and cornerback Corey Ivy also are on Ryan's wish list. "I am actively trying to get those guys," Scott said. "Hopefully, we can get those guys here and we can really improve the depth, communication and transition for this football team to an attacking style 3-4."
Cornerback Rolle wants to be releasedBaltimore Sun - March 2, 2009
Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle sits at his home in Florida and waits to be cut. The signs are there. The Ravens recently asked him to take another pay cut. Rolle, 32, is next, right? "Honestly, I don't want to play in Baltimore anymore because I feel I'm not wanted," said Rolle, who has started for the Ravens the past four seasons. "During the past two years, the Ravens have wanted to replace me, and the only man in the building that supported me was Rex [Ryan, the former defensive coordinator]. I have nothing against the organization, nothing against ownership. I just feel it's time for me to move on. Never have I challenged this organization, but I think it's in both our best interest."
Ravens resume talks with free agent T Marvel SmithRavens24x7.com - March 2, 2009
The Baltimore Ravens are scheduled to resume exploratory talks with Pittsburgh Steelers free agent offensive tackle Marvel Smith today.
Agent: Lewis might return; Ravens look to be star's best optionBaltimore Sun - March 1, 2009
As the options for Ray Lewis continued to dwindle, the agent for the Pro Bowl linebacker said Lewis would consider returning to the Ravens. "He couldn't think more highly of Baltimore," agent David Dunn said yesterday. "He's played in that city for so many years. He's so symbolic of the team."
Marques Douglas Drawing Some InterestProFootballTalk.com - March 1, 2009
After being cut by the Baltimore Ravens at the outset of free agency, veteran defensive end Marques Douglas is drawing preliminary interest from the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, and Denver Broncos, according to a league source.A potential return to Baltimore for the former Howard University player hasn't been ruled out.
Rams agree to deal with center BrownESPN.com - Feb. 28, 2009
The St. Louis Rams landed the prize free agent blocker of 2009 Friday by reaching an agreement in principle with Ravens center Jason Brown. According to a source, Brown received a five-year, $37.5 million contract that includes $20 million in guarantees. He will earn $24 million over the first two years of his contract. Brown's agents, Harold Lewis and Kevin Omell, spent Friday night working on the final language of the contract before having Brown sign the deal.
**After bidding war, Scott agrees to deal with Jets**
Baltimore Sun - Feb. 27, 2009Bart Scott agreed to a six-year, $48 million contract with the New York Jets today after contemplating a return to the Ravens, a league source said.
Ravens agree to four-year, $28M deal with CB FoxworthNFL.com - Feb. 27, 2009
The Baltimore Ravens have agreed to terms with former Atlanta Falcons cornerback Domonique Foxworth on a four-year, $28 million contract that includes $16.5 million in guaranteed money.
Lewis open to going back to Baltimore NFL.com – Feb. 27, 2009When Ray Lewis' future in Baltimore was questioned, his former teammate Rod Woodson reached out to him. After speaking with Lewis, Woodson reported that Lewis never said he wouldn't return to the Ravens. He is open to go back to Baltimore. Lewis never told DeMarcus Ware that his dream was to play for the Cowboys despite published reports.
**Ravens' Rolle refuses pay cut**
Baltimore Sun - Feb. 27, 2009The Ravens recently met with the agent for cornerback Samari Rolle and asked him to take a pay cut from the $4.1 million he is expected to make this season. Rolle declined to take the pay cut, and the Ravens put him on the trading block during the last week. The Ravens intitally wanted a third-round pick, but later decided to take anything they could get. Now that the Ravens have agreed to a four-year deal with cornerback Domonique Foxworth, Rolle could be cut soon.
Jets close to landing Ravens free agent linebacker Bart ScottNY Daily News - Feb. 27, 2009
Bart Scott is making the Jets sweat it out. Scott's agent and the Jets have agreed in principle on a five-year contract worth roughly $40 million, but Scott has called Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome to give his old/current team a chance to match, according to a league source.
**Ravens lose Scott to Jets; Lewis gone, too?**
NFL.com - Feb. 27, 2009
As if it weren't bad enough to lose linebacker Bart Scott, now the Ravens are in serious jeopardy of losing free-agent linebacker Ray Lewis, too. Sources close to Lewis were adamant Friday that one of the game's greatest defensive players will not return to Baltimore and his career with the team is over.
Breaking: Scott Signs With JetsThe National Football Post - Feb. 27, 2009
Free agent linebacker Bart Scott has just finalized a multi-year contract with the New York Jets, sources close to the situation have just informed the National Football Post.
Foxworth visiting RavensBaltimore Sun - Feb 27, 2009
NFL Network reported this morning that free-agent cornerback Domonique Foxworth, a former third-round draft pick of the Broncos, is visiting the Ravens' complex today and could be a solution at cornerback.
**Ravens cut off talks with C Jason Brown**
SportingNews.com -Feb 26, 2009
A very interesting 24 hours lies ahead for the Baltimore Ravens. And the first domino has fallen. According to an NFL source, the club has informed center Jason Brown that he is not in their plans for the 2009 season.
**Ravens continue negotiations with Lewis, Scott**Carroll County Times -Feb 26, 2009
Although the Baltimore Ravens remain in contract talks with All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis, it's looking more and more likely that the two-time NFL Defensive Player will take a look around the NFL marketplace when free agency begins early Friday morning.
**Ravens' Brown seeks guard's paycheck - Team considers him a center, which pays less**
Baltimore Sun - Feb 25, 2009
Where Jason Brown ends up in free agency could be determined by where he lines up on the field. It is believed the Ravens want to pay Brown as a center while the versatile offensive lineman is seeking to be paid as a guard. The difference in positions could be $2 million per season, which might push Brown to test the free-agent market Friday. It has been heavily rumored the Miami Dolphins are interested in Brown if he becomes available.
Miami Dolphins keep close eye on Ravens center Jason BrownMiami Herald - Feb 24, 2009
As the start of free agency nears, the Miami Dolphins' interest in Baltimore Ravens center Jason Brown appears to be increasing each day, several sources said. Speculation at the NFL Scouting Combine continued to build that Miami is targeting Brown as its clear top choice to replace Samson Satele as Miami's starter in the middle. Unless the Ravens can reach a new contract with Brown, he will become a free agent Friday. That's when the Dolphins would be able to make their play for the potential upgrade.
What Scott's potential signing means for LewisBaltimore Sun - Feb 24, 2009
It appears that linebacker Bart Scott and the Ravens are moving closer to possibly getting a deal done before the midnight deadline Friday for free agency. If the Ravens sign Scott, where does that leave Pro Bowl middle linebacker Ray Lewis? That's interesting, because there is speculation that Scott could replace Lewis on the inside if the Ravens can't get a new deal done with Lewis.
Agent: Brown or Scott could re-sign with Ravens before start of free agency|Baltimore Sun- Feb. 23
The agent for center Jason Brown and linebacker Bart Scott is optimistic that one will re-sign with the Ravens before free agency begins Friday. "My gut feeling is one of the two is going to hit free agency and the other one will probably sign," said Harold Lewis, who represents both Brown and Scott. "That's just my gut."
Are Cowboys out of running for LB Lewis?blogs.nfl.com - Feb. 23, 2009
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the team could be quiet in free agency this offseason because of the potential for an uncapped season in 2010. Does that mean Dallas won't pursue LB Ray Lewis, who is expected to soon hit the free-agent market?
Jets Zeroing in on Ravens’ Linebackersprofootballtalk.com - Feb. 22, 2009
The New York Jets are planning to make a serious run at Baltimore Ravens inside linebackers Bart Scott and Ray Lewis as soon as free agency begins February 27, according to Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News. Meanwhile, Scott, who ranked second on the team in tackles behind Lewis last season and is versatile enough to play in a 3-4 or a 4-3 scheme, seems interested in the Jets. In a recent interview with NFL Sirius Radio, Scott acknowledged that he was interested in playing for new Jets coach Rex Ryan, the former Ravens defensive coordinator.
Reliable Raven might have to fly to another teamblogs.nfl.com - Feb. 22, 2009
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome didn't sound optimistic about Stover's chances of staying with the team when he talked to the Baltimore Sun on Saturday:"He's probably looking and we're looking, too," Newsome said as he was hustled away from the media center to watch offensive linemen go through combine drills. "I think that's probably the best way of saying it."
Newsome optimistic about Ravens' keeping free agentsBaltimore Sun - Feb. 22, 2009
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said yesterday that he is optimistic he could keep star linebacker Ray Lewis in Baltimore and the heart of the team's dominating defense in place for the 2009 season. In a brisk, 15-minute news conference with national media at the NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, Newsome said he is negotiating new contracts for Lewis, linebackers Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs, and center Jason Brown.
Everything, Every-Waredallascowboys.com - Feb. 21, 2009
You know, actually, when we played Ray Lewis and Baltimore at the end of the season, he came over and pointed to my helmet. He said, "I want to wear this star on my helmet, that's my dream . . . that's my dream." When we got to the Pro Bowl, he did it again. He came at me every day. It's a great opportunity for him. His door is open. He's an unrestricted free agent. He's trying to get down where the star is. He told me he needed me to get him Jerry Jones' phone number for him. I just busted out laughing.
McKinney's deal worth at least $3.6 millionProFootballTalk24x7 - Feb 20, 2009
Baltimore Ravens reserve defensive tackle Brandon McKinney's three-year contract extension will pay him a $1 million base salary in 2009, according to NFL Players Association figures.
**Ravens Place Franchise Tag on Suggs**
BaltimoreRavens.com -Feb 18, 2009
Less than 24 hours before the Thursday deadline to apply the franchise tag to a player, the Ravens have officially given the designation to linebacker Terrell Suggs. Both sides continue to work toward a long-term deal that would keep the Pro Bowl linebacker in Baltimore beyond 2009.
**Like it or not, Ravens should let Lewis walk rather than overpay**
Sports Illustrated -Feb 18, 2009
Since Day 1, Ray Lewis has been the face of the Baltimore Ravens. Teammates and fans have deemed him irreplaceable. The head coach and owner have publicly proclaimed their willingness to shell out huge sums to retain his services. But despite all of this, should Lewis receive monster offers from other teams hoping to add his production and leadership, the prudent move for the Ravens would be to let him walk.
Ravens Ink McKinneyBaltimoreRaven.com –Feb 17, 2009
The Ravens have further shored up their defensive line by re-signing tackle Brandon McKinney to a three-year contract, general manager Ozzie Newsome confirmed Tuesday.
**Ravens prepared to use franchise tag on Suggs**
Baltimore Sun –Feb 17, 2009
If the Ravens can't reach a new deal with Terrell Suggs by Thursday, they will use the franchise tag on the Pro Bowl linebacker-defensive end, general manager Ozzie Newsome said today.
**Rolle next on Ravens' chopping block?**
Baltimore Sun –Feb 17, 2009
Now that Chris McAlister has been let go by the Ravens, is fellow cornerback Samari Rolle next? Rolle is still under contract with the Ravens, but his agent is expected to meet with general manager Ozzie Newsome later this week at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. The Ravens will probably ask Rolle to take a pay cut, and he will probably ask them for his release.
**Ravens Release McAlister**
BaltimoreRaven.com –Feb 16, 2009
The Ravens officially terminated the contract of cornerback Chris McAlister Monday, ending a 10-year run in Baltimore for one of the top cornerbacks in the game. It's one of those things that no player, especially after being with an organization as long as I've been, wants to hear that they've been released," McAlister said. "It happens. It's part of the game."
**T.O. talks to Ray Lewis**
Dallas Morning News* *– Feb 12, 2009
Whether Terrell Owens will be with the Cowboys or not, he's reaching out to free agent linebacker and Baltimore Raven icon Ray Lewis. In the past, Owens told me he's been contact with Lewis, who expressed an interest in playing for the Cowboys. This off-season, Owens reached out to Jerry Jones to make a sales pitch if you will for Lewis to join Dallas...
**Video: Suggs' Take **
NFL Network/BaltimoreRavens.com – Feb 12, 2009
In an interview with the NFL Network, LB/DE Terrell Suggs expressed his optimism in returning to the Ravens. "I know we'll get something done," said Suggs. "I showed them last year that I love the city of Baltimore and I wanted to be a Raven. I'm hopeful."...
**Franchising Lewis Will Cost $11.313 Million**
ProFootballTalk.com – Feb 10, 2009
According to Adam Schefter, Lewis' franchise tender would be $11.313 million by virtue of a 20% raise over his 2008 salary being greater than the average of the five highest paid players at the position. USA Today's salary database has Lewis' 2008 cap figure at $9,428,814...
**Harbaugh enters Lewis conversation**
Baltimore Sun – Feb 10, 2009
And there's no question the Baltimore Ravens definitely want Ray." Which NFL team will sign Ray Lewis this offseason? Harbaugh was unavailable to clarify...
**10-Pack: NFL teams facing tough decisions with franchise tag**
SportingNews.com – Feb 9, 2009
Three Baltimore linebackers are scheduled to hit the free-agent market -- Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott and Ray Lewis. Scott might be the guy who gets the tag. Unless deals can be worked out with Suggs and Lewis, Scott might be the only one left come the start of the 2009 regular season regarding...
**Pro Bowl notes: Ravens ready to pay big to keep Ray Lewis**
USA Today – Feb 8, 2009
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, 33, says his best football is ahead of him and he will "be buckling up a chin ...
**Lewis dodges at Pro Bowl**
New York Post – Feb 8, 2009
Days after saying he'd be willing to consider playing for the Jets or Cowboys if things can't be worked out with the Ravens, linebacker Ray Lewis refused to...
**Ray Lewis: Cowboys or Jets would be attractive landing spots**
USA Today – Feb 5, 2009
Ray Lewis now says he won't give the Ravens a hometown discount. And he's also saying nice things about the Dallas Cowboys. The linebacker, an original...
**Ray Lewis: No Hometown Discount**
Baltimore Sun – Feb 6, 2009
Ray Lewis told the NFL Network earlier this week that he won't give the Ravens a hometown discount in contract negotiations this offseason...
**Video: Ray Lewis From the Pro Bowl**
BaltimoreRavens.com – Jan 29, 2009
NFL Network's Jamie Duke talks with Ray Lewis in Hawaii on free agency topics such as a "hometown discount" and the prospects of playing with the Ravens, Cowboys and Jets…
**Star linebacker says matter is between himself and God**
Baltimore Sun – Jan 30, 2009
In his first comments to the Baltimore media this offseason, Ray Lewis yesterday was...
**Ravens may have eye on Cards' Boldin after Super Bowl**
Baltimore Sun – Jan 28, 2009
Although the Ravens failed to reach the Super Bowl this season, could their future No. 1 widereceiver be playing in it? Arizona's Anquan Boldin will likely...
**Mailbag: Jerry Jones Wanting To Sign Ray Lewis?**
DallasCowboys.com – Jan 20, 2009
Mostly, I do think its wishful thinking, especially since it would be tampering if the Cowboys actually were engaging Lewis or his agent in contract discussions at this point in the off-season...
**Cowboys interested in Ravens' Lewis?**
Baltimore Sun – Jan 19, 2009
Word around the NFL is that the Dallas Cowboys are very interested in obtaining Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis if he becomes a free agent...
**Suggs suggests Ravens trio give discount**
Baltimore Sun – Jan 26, 2009
Just days after Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said he hoped star linebacker Ray Lewis would take a "hometown discount" on his next contract and end his career with the Ravens, Terrell Suggs went a step further. Suggs suggested that he and fellow linebackers Lewis and Bart Scott could all remain with the Ravens if they give the team a discount...
**Ravens Hopeful to Sign Lewis**
BaltimoreRavens.com – Jan 29, 2009
"I've been hopeful forever that we're going to work a deal," Bisciotti said. "I said last year to you, in our one year interview – I don't think that other people are going to value Ray Lewis higher than we do. We know what he brings to the table, and he's showing that at 33 he's capable of playing like a 28-year-old. "So, I've got my wife on a budget already to try and save some money so we can sign him," he added with a laugh…
RAVENS 2009 FREE AGENTS
Unrestricted Free Agents (players with four or more years' service time at the end of a contract, can be signed elsewhere with no compensation to player's old team)
QBs **Kyle Boller** and **Todd Bouman**, C **Jason Brown**, WR **Terrance Copper**, CB **Corey Ivy**, SS **Jim Leonhard**, ILBs **Bart Scott** and **Ray Lewis**, OLB **Terrell Suggs**, T **Chad Slaughter**, FB **Lorenzo Neal**, K **Matt Stover**, TE **Daniel Wilcox**
Restricted Free Agents (players with three years' service time at the end of a contract, must be tendered offer sheet by April 17, Ravens have seven days to match)
P **Sam Koch**, SS **Dawan Landry**, CBs **Derrick Martin** and **Evan Oglesby**, DT **Brandon McKinney**, LB **Robert McCune**, TE **Quinn Sypniewski**, WRs **Demetrius Williams** and **Marcus Maxwell **, RB **P.J. Daniels**
Exclusive-Rights Free Agents (players with two years' service time at the end of a contract and no negotiating leverage, list subject to change)
DTs **Kelly Talavou** and **Lamar Divens**, S **Daren Stone**, LB **Jameel McClain**, TE **Scott Kuhn**, TE-LB **Edgar Jones**, RB **Jalen Parmele**
KEY DATES
February 19: Deadline to designate franchise and/or transition free agents.
February 26: Deadline to submit tender offers to potential restricted free agents and exclusive-rights free agents.
February 27: Veteran free-agency signing period begins. Trading period also begins, expiring in mid-October.
April 17: Signing period ends for restricted free agents.
April 24: Deadline for old club to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents
June 1: Deadline for teams to send tender offers to unsigned restricted or unrestricted free agents.
June 15: Deadline for old clubs to withdraw original qualifying offer to unsigned restricted free agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting tender of 110 percent of previous year's salary.
July 6 (approx.): Claiming period of 24 hours begins in waiver system
July 22 (or first scheduled day of first training camp, whichever is later): Free-agent signing periods ends at 4 p.m. (ET) for transition free agents and unrestricted free agents to whom a June 1 tender was made. After this date and through 4 p.m. (ET) on November 15, the player's old club has exclusive negotiating rights to these players.
