Stet Sports Blog

Even if Ray Lewis decides to stay with the Baltimore Ravens, even if he finishes his career in Charm City, and yes, even if he wins another Super Bowl, things will never be the same for Ray Lewis and Ravens fans.

He’s been too flippant about the free agent process, and rightfully so. If there is anyone in the league who has earned a “show me the money” moment, it’s Lewis. The team and its personnel structure largely hinge on his return, and his passion once he does return.

Let’s say no one make Lewis a better offer. Not the Cowboys, not the Jets, not anyone. Ray Lewis may begrudgingly take a hefty sum from the Ravens to finish his career in Baltimore, yet may destroy the team from the inside with his candor about the team’s disrespect of his legacy. Lewis has been on record saying that he never thought the Ravens would allow him to reach free agency, and in a way, they shouldn’t have.

The owner came out and confessed his love for Lewis. Teammates came out advocating for a return of the linebacking crew that nearly reached the Super Bowl this year. Fans, including myself, have pleaded for his return.

But a hard-hitting linebacker in his 30’s is still a hard hitting linebacker in his 30’s. Lewis should understand that this is a business. The Ravens should understand that Lewis makes them a better business. And both sides should work to minimize the ill feelings that may make the papers.

Suffice it to say that with staying or leaving, the negotiations between Ray Lewis and the Ravens will make for a tenuous future. Either he bolts for security and what he deems as respect, or he stays and is looked upon as a malcontent in his last years. Either way, it will never be the same in Baltimore.

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