This is the start of my column on the Ravens' offseason moves. I'll provide what insight I can and tell you what I think they'll do. Then I'll address the moves as they happen. And I'll even keep track of what I was right about and what I was wrong about, should be interesting!
The Ravens enter the 2009 offseason having completed an improbable season that ended in the AFC Championship Game. But that's yesterday's news, it's time to make the right moves for tomorrow. This offseason could prove to be a pivotal one in determining the future of this franchise.
There are several vital cogs of the Ravens up for free agency, moves need to be made to further the development of young Joe Flacco, and pieces need to be picked up to take this team to the next level. There are a lot of options and different routes to take.
First off, it is important that the team resigns the right players. The important names are: Terrell Suggs, Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Jason Brown, Dwan Landry, Corey Ivy, Demetrius Williams, Matt Stover, and Sam Koch.
The name that jumps out on the list is Ray Lewis, the unquestioned leader of this team, basically since its inception. One would assume a nice hometown discount would be in order so he can finish out his career as a Raven, but you know what they say about assumptions.
When teammate and fellow free agent Terrell Suggs suggested a bargain on his own contract so that they could keep the stellar defense together, Lewis balked. His feelings on the discount were that if he wasn't going to be playing only part of the time, why would he take a contract only worth part of his value.
Lewis has also mentioned that he might like to play for his defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan, on the New York Jets. He has also been talking about possibly playing for the Dallas Cowboys. I'd say it looks like he is yearning for a bigger stage than the Ravens have to offer.
It's impossible to overstate Lewis' importance to the defense. It goes beyond anything stats could show, but he makes everyone around him better. But any casual football fan could tell you that. Baltimore should make every possible effort to keep him, but steel themselves for his loss.
My Prediction: He finds himself out of purple and into a uniform with a star on it.
Lewis however is not the most important name on this list. In fact I'd put two others before him. Terrell Suggs is one. He is young. He is talented. He has played with Lewis and in the Baltimore defense his entire career.
His willingness to take less pay to play with more talent around him speaks volumes about his commitment to the team. Suggs should be the Ravens first priority to resign.
My Prediction: The Ravens secure him for several years down the road.
OK, so you'll give me Suggs, because he could be the future of this defense, but who else is more important than Lewis? Jason Brown.
The young center is absolutely vital to the development of Flacco. His pass protection isn't elite, but it's very good. But it's his run blocking and handling of elite defensive lineman where he shines.
He managed to contain Albert Haynesworth (ALBERT HAYNESWORTH!!!) in both games against the Titans. And he is the main reason (OK, him and Lorenzo Neal) that Le'Ron McLain's power game was so effective. If this offense is going to continue its upward trajectory, Brown is a vital piece of the puzzle that the Ravens just can't let go of.
My Prediction: This one could go either way, but I doubt he wants to leave this team, so I think he stays on.
Those are the Big Three for Baltimore this offseason. If all three of those re-signings really do happen, then Bart Scott could find himself in a precarious position this offseason.
The Mad-Backer had one elite season, and several very good seasons. But he's just not a vital enough cog to justify resigning him at the expense of one of the previous three players. That said, of the non Big Three free agents, he is the first priority.
If any of those three don't sign (especially Lewis or Suggs) he would be the first consolation prize. But if Lewis doesn't get signed (again a real possibility), he NEEDS to be here to help keep that tradition of ferocious defense alive.
My Prediction: He doesn't get resigned if both Suggs and Lewis get signed, at least not unless one or all three take a major pay cut. If he isn't back in purple, I'd look for the Lions
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