Terrell Suggs Publically Shows His Love For Baltimore.

"I've always said it from the jump. Baltimore has first dibs."

Terrell Suggs wants to stay in the city of Baltimore. By making this comment, along with another, in an interview with NFL analysts Fran Charles and Rod Woodson, T-Sizzle, one of Baltimore's trio of star linebackers, is bypassing the more monetarily beneficial stage of shopping out to the highest bidder.

"I really have faith in the Ravens and in my agent that we'll get something done," referring off-handedly to the team using the franchise tag on him over the past season.

"I know we'll get something done. I showed them just by the things I did last year that I really love the city of Baltimore. I love the people there ... i'm hopeful."

Whether or not you believe the comments that he made or just believe it's posturing to begin negotiations with the Baltimore Ravens, T-Sizzle has made it pretty clear that in the least he wouldn't mind staying in Baltimore, the city that drafted him with a 1st round selection in 2003.

And it would be very wise for Baltimore to keep that in mind. All of last year, while wearing the hated Franchise tag, Terrell could have done what a lot of other players have done, and been on his worst behavior.

It probably wouldn't have been the wisest career move to flush an entire year of playing time down the toilet, or worse, actually been fined and lose money by choosing to sit out at least part of the season. Many star players, more often at the skill positions of WR and RB, have used their discontent to facilitate a trade. However, he COULD have, and chose not too. 

Instead, Suggs went to a third Pro Bowl in five seasons, and statistically having one of his best, if not the best, season of his career.

He played with emotion and with class, even though it is unbelievably dangerous to play that hard while wearing the franchise tag. In the middle of his prime, a serious injury could have decimated his market value, making the amazing job he did seem even more impressive.

I honestly believe that him wanting to be in Baltimore is based more on love and team chemistry than monetary reasons. He could be a star on almost any defense in the league since he is adept at playing in both a 3-4 and 4-3 front alignments.

For an idea of just how versatile he could be, just look at Adalius Thomas, current Patriots' star linebacker.

Adalius played the same position as Terrell does currently when he played for Baltimore. Listed as an outside linebacker, in the Raven's defense, OLB's are asked to do anything and everything.

Depending on the formation, they must be able to rush the passer, run block, cover a intermediate zone or even a receiver in motion. Both linebackers are well suited to playing for any team in the league, greatly increasing their market value.

So add in the fact that he publicly stated that he's giving Baltimore first shot at re-signing him and you can begin to see, like I did, that he really doesn't want to go where he is going to be paid the most. Why would he?

If he can still get a nice long-term contract and play with a team that last year was only one step away from being in the Super Bowl, the choice seems easy.

Terrell Suggs has a chance to get what he wants, a long-term money solution, while being able to stay with a young, successful team that was also the team that drafted and helped build him. Besides the continuing adoration of the Baltimore fans, what more could he ask for? Maybe a Super Bowl XLIV ring.

-Michael (wong_83@hotmail.com, who personally wants all of his star linebackers to resign, and for the Ravens to also sign Anquan Boldin. Wishful thinking perhaps, but why else would I wish?)

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