Here's what we know: former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is the new Jets' head coach, current Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis will be an unrestricted free agent in a few weeks, and Brett Favre has yet to inform anybody of his retirement plans.
And while we wait for that announcement (some people think Ryan should make Favre's decision for him), a little something to consider: Lewis could join Ryan in New York.
Presumably, the Ravens would like to keep Lewis in Baltimore. But teammates Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott are also entering free agency and that, coupled with salary-cap considerations, means that one, maybe two players won't be back.
Like Favre, Lewis is in the twilight of a great career. But unlike the gunslinger, who looked tired, haggard and, well, 39 years old last season, Ray-Ray was his usual dominating self. And given how the Jets' defense faltered down the stretch, he'd certainly be upgrade, both on the field and in the locker room.
Lewis, 33, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, is well-versed as an inside linebacker in Ryan's 3-4 system, and the Jets will have an opening because incumbent Eric Barton will be a free agent. Even though they want to re-sign Lewis, the Ravens may let him test the open market to determine his value.The New York Daily News' Rich Cimini adds that Jets fans can forget about Suggs since the organization has so much money tied up in last year's first-round pick, Vernon Gholston. But maybe Ryan can do for Gholston what he did for Lewis. "I think I made Ray, to be honest with you," Ryan joked. "He was an average player until I got him."
Whatever happens, it sounds like Ray will get what he wants: one more huge payday. Because if the Ravens or Jets can't work a deal, Jerry Jones almost certainly will.
Latest NFL Photos
New York Jets coach Rex Ryan poses with his wife, Michelle, during a news conference at the Jets training facility to introduce Ryan as the new Jets coach in Florham Park, N.J., Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Derer)
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New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan speaks at a press conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)
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New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan (C) poses for pictures with with team owner Woody Johnson (R) and general manager Mike Tannenbaum (L) at a press conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan (R) poses with his wife, Michelle, after a press conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan speaks at a news conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)
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New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan listens at a news conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan speaks at a news conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan speaks at a news conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
New York Jets coach Rex Ryan speaks during a news conference at the Jets training facility, to introduce Ryan as the new Jets coach, in Florham Park, N.J., Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Derer)
AP
New York Jets coach Rex Ryan gestures during a news conference at the Jets training facility, to introduce Ryan as the new Jets coach, in Florham Park, N.J., Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Derer)
AP
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
1-21-2009 @ 1:38PM
fandol12 said...
The jets will still suck suck suck hey thought they were going to the super bowl with brett favre and what happened the dolphins ended their season by who??? CHAD PENNINGTON so go ahead jets get ray lewis you'll still be an low life team
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1-21-2009 @ 1:58PM
Wayne Broadway said...
Ray Lewis is just another THUG! The NFL is FULL of them. That's exactly what's wrong with the league. These idiot thugs can't make a play without running around like wild animals thinking they are Gods gift. What a JOKE!
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1-21-2009 @ 2:05PM
RONNIE said...
typical Dolphin fan
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1-21-2009 @ 2:32PM
lanechaffin said...
Baltimore would suddenly become about 10 times more likable do the average football fan should they lose ray. With Harbaugh and Flacco, the Ravens are gaining a whole new following. They aren't exactly Americas team yet, but getting rid of ray lewis damn sure won't hurt. the jets meanwhile sold out and signed favre, thinking they would waltz into the playoffs. it don't work like that my friends. nor will it work bringing in a mouthy "leader" like ray. the jets are going from a good improving franchise under mangini to a messed up pile of crap
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1-21-2009 @ 3:05PM
danimal said...
ray is not a murderer (well not off the field anyways)...you are some ignorant folk posting this b.s. Ray Lewis was in a club when an unfortunate incident took place and he did what just about anyone would have done----got out and assessed situation, eventually admitting (and clarifying/vindicating) what happened.....please bring him to the jets...he would get the most out of gholston
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1-21-2009 @ 2:52PM
E. Grove said...
Did you ever ACTUALLY read the story, or the results? Maybe you should before you start making comments about something you are OBVIOUSLY confused about. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/2000/06/04/lewis_agreement/. Ray Lewis didn't kill or help kill anyone. He should never have been arrested for the crimes. His crime was not rattting on the two suspects the police believe did it, thus the obstruction of justice charge. The defense attorney had evidence Ray was in the limo when it happened. By the way, IT was a failed robbery attempt by the KIDs you are discussing. It may be appropriate to say that Ray Lewis may not play by the same rules of conduct you do but that does not make him a murderer. PLEASE get your facts straight.
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1-21-2009 @ 2:53PM
amberly said...
If Ray Lewis goes to the Jets it will be the worst mistake Baltimore could make. Ray is like GOD in b-more. he's inspirational and a exceptional leader. Ray makes the ravens who they are. He inspires them to be a better player, because they damn sure don't want him jumping down their neck. And for all you raven haters B-more is a great team with a bad attitude and Ray Lewis just makes it all the better.
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1-21-2009 @ 2:58PM
rsquain said...
YEAH,..HE'S A LEGEND ALRIGHT. A PUNK ,THUG,MORAL
DEGENERATE.
I WILL CONTINUE MY PERSONAL BOYCOTT OF ANY TEAM THAT HIRES THAT ROTTEN SCUMBAG.VIC KILLED DOGS,THAT'S BAD ENOUGH,BUT LEWIS EITHER MURDERED,
OR HELPED MURDER TWO PEOPLE.ANY PERSON WHO HIRES SOMEONE LIKE HIM JUST BECAUSE HE MAKES THEM A BUCK
IS GOING TO HAVE TO ANSWER FOR IT IN THE END.
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1-22-2009 @ 7:30AM
myra said...
As Ray is a devout Christian, he knows who gives him forgiveness. If you know anything of what you speak, you would know that Ray does not hang out in Baltimore, he stays home and close to friends. There is nothing but good things in the news about him. He has a foundation that helps the kids of Baltimore. He went back to college and graduated with his degree a couple of years ago. He did not murder anyone, but was a young man with the wrong group of hangers-on. The ugliness of people is terrible--to continue to repeat a lie as truth. What sad individuals.
We want Ray to stay in Baltimore.
1-21-2009 @ 3:01PM
frrrfddd said...
say what u will about Ray but he is a great player and he wont go to the Jets he wants to win the super bowl and that wont happen in N Y thay dont have a Q B with or with out Farve He needs to go to the steelers if he wants to win and that would be a good fit if thay would have him
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1-21-2009 @ 3:23PM
johnyonnie said...
The Steelers would never consider taking on Ray-Ray. They're a class organization and would never hire a no class player
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1-21-2009 @ 3:36PM
Docker said...
Typical 'black' rational, danimal... "eventually clarifying" what happened. Yeah, just like Vick "eventually confessed" after lying HIS ass off 'til all his posse, and the evidence, turned on him. But, guess that qualifies as noble in your world.
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1-21-2009 @ 3:40PM
rvccoach5 said...
What makes Ray Lewis less than a class act? He has one of the biggest charitable organizations in Baltimore, he is one of the more outspoken inspirational leaders of the NFL(not just the Ravens). He has been on the cover of Madden, Sports Illustrated, and other sports periodicals. He has always been accessible to media. Much like Warren Sapp (some people from the "U" get bad wraps because they are vocal and demonstrative) Give the man credit for who he is, a future Hall of Fame Linebacker, and a good citizen...Let the man be!
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1-21-2009 @ 3:45PM
chilco said...
Don't all felons eventually end up in New York?
Just a quick jaunt from Reiker's Island.
He may end up rooming with Tony T.
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1-21-2009 @ 4:24PM
TomG said...
All of you Ray Lewis Bashers. You folks can't accept the truth. The man was pleaded guilty on an obstruction of justice charge. His crime was he didn't want to be involved with the whole ordeal.Thank God he learned from the mistake he made. His volinteer work in Baltimore with ALL youths, no matter their skin color and his generosity to organizations within the community have been outstanding. He doesn't want the glory from these dees but only tries to get the more fortunate to get involved also. Maby this is his way of trying to tell the man upstairs he is really sorry for his involvement with the incodent, and just wants to be recognized as a truely good person which he now is.
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1-22-2009 @ 5:45PM
grannyapple said...
did you go to school? if you did then your teacher didn't do his/her job! your spelling is horrendous!
look it up in the dictionary!
1-21-2009 @ 5:04PM
dubbz3030 said...
Bogus. why would Lewis do that to himself. the franchise doesnt even have a Super Bowl Calibur QB. B Farve may be a legend, but he aint winning no more super bowls, especially not in NY
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1-21-2009 @ 5:10PM
Rob said...
When Ray gets to the HOF, put his bust next to OJ's and we can call it "Murderers Row".
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1-21-2009 @ 5:37PM
Mr. Miyagi said...
The truth is Lewis is one of 3 best ever, if not THE best, at linebacker. I'm not a Ravens fan but any team would love to have him. And he's not one of those hot dogs who gloats and dances after every good play he makes. People who hate him are just jealous. Who do you have that's better?
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1-21-2009 @ 6:28PM
wheelzroller said...
The problem with the JETS is that the club has not won anything since 1967, when Joe Nameth
said he would beat the Colts. At that time
the JETS were the AFL ( a more wide open game )
with players that WANTED to win. The JETS have been losing for 40 years and I think this losing mentality is engrained into the organization.
As well Brett Favre may not be around in the near future and they traded away Chad Pennington ( a solid journeyman quatreback )and are left with young inexperienced talent that may or may not have the ability to play in the NFL if Favre leaves or gets hurt. I'm thinking
that regardless of who they bring in ( and I like Ray Lewis ) unless the JETS start being consistent and create an identity ,it will be another fruitless year.
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