Michael Holley says that Pats and Browns are in hot pursuit of Ray Lewis

[brdmaverick]

me too, we just traded Vrabel, why would we then bring in Lewis?? Peppers maybe, but I do see Lewis coming here as we got enough over 30 LBs

my sentiments exactly.....if cutting Vrabel was for salary cap room and for a youth movement, then why would we go after a much more expensive, aging LB?

 

[mayoclinic]

my sentiments exactly.....if cutting Vrabel was for salary cap room and for a youth movement, then why would we go after a much more expensive, aging LB?

Again, I think all of this rumor is a smokescreen. BB has been known to use writers to spread disinformation (mainly in the draft) and hide his real intent before. I see the same thing with Jason Taylor. If BB is planning a big move at the LB position, it would help his bargaining power to create the illusion that he is actively pursuing other options.

 

[Bobs My Uncle]

Regardless of where Lewis belongs on the greatest MLB of all time list (I think he's certainly top 3) the point of the matter is does BB think Lewis can play in his system, better it, and would there be value in his addition.

If it's true that the Pats are seriously looking into acquiring Lewis then the part about whether or not BB thinks Lewis can play for him is answered. Further, I can't imagine getting Lewis to play alongside Mayo wouldn't be a monumental improvement over what was fielded last year so that part is a no brainer. Now, would there be value in a Lewis signing? That depends on how much Lewis will sign for and, right now, no one knows the answer to that question.

 

[supafly]

my sentiments exactly.....if cutting Vrabel was for salary cap room and for a youth movement, then why would we go after a much more expensive, aging LB?

With respect to your argument brdmav, I think the cutting Vrabes move was to upgrade the position, regardless of age or not. A lot of people think now, because we got somewhat 'lucky' w/ Mayo being able to step right in from day one--that all we have to do is draft a decent college player at the end of April. I think we all know better, the bottom line is that they usually take at least a yr or two to learn the system correctly, get reps, and produce to the level we expect. Some won't ever make it, it's a gamble.

With Moss for 2 more yrs, Brady--a small changing of the guard at D, our best chance at winning a Super Bowl is probably right now. I know, and certainly agree w/ you that overall, in the big picture, we need an age movement. But our best chance is probably the next couple of yrs, and whatever upgrades we can make now is the key. That said, if Vrabel's salary was 4 1/2-5 mill this yr, then maybe we do upgrade for a couple mill more, regardless of age. Although age is a good standard for an NFL player, it cannot be used the same for everyone. If we can upgrade ANY position, then bring him in-I'm all for it. It's time to win another Super Bowl

 

[mmasterkillah]

The reasons we would dump Vrabel but get Taylor may be plentiful.

Maybe we knew that JT would become a FA, so we made the move to accomodate him. Maybe we believe that JT, at this point, is far superior to Vrabel, who had been reduced to an inadequate pass rusher this past season.
Maybe we felt that JT wouldn't be all that expensive, that he wants to make money AFTER his career by building a name for himself, and trying to win a Super Bowl.
Maybe we are interested because he has a good rappaport with some of our players, and his skills would obviously fit in well in a spot in which we are deficient.
If both healthy at 34 years old, JT is a significantly better ATHLETE than Mike Vrabel.

 

[spacecrime]

is a no brainer.

When half the folks emphatically like something, and the other half emphatically do not, I think it is time to engage the brain and think it through.

 

[Leave No Doubt]

With respect to your argument brdmav, I think the cutting Vrabes move was to upgrade the position, regardless of age or not. A lot of people think now, because we got somewhat 'lucky' w/ Mayo being able to step right in from day one--that all we have to do is draft a decent college player at the end of April. I think we all know better, the bottom line is that they usually take at least a yr or two to learn the system correctly, get reps, and produce to the level we expect. Some won't ever make it, it's a gamble.

With Moss for 2 more yrs, Brady--a small changing of the guard at D, our best chance at winning a Super Bowl is probably right now. I know, and certainly agree w/ you that overall, in the big picture, we need an age movement. But our best chance is probably the next couple of yrs, and whatever upgrades we can make now is the key. That said, if Vrabel's salary was 4 1/2-5 mill this yr, then maybe we do upgrade for a couple mill more, regardless of age. Although age is a good standard for an NFL player, it cannot be used the same for everyone. If we can upgrade ANY position, then bring him in-I'm all for it. It's time to win another Super Bowl

:agree: that's my take too. Lewis tho, I dunno. Ouch he's such an a* but then again I guess you never really know. He and AD were (are?) BFF's so who knows About 3-4 years ago when there were only one or two whispers about BB being interested in Randy Moss, I never in a million years thought BB would ever touch the persona that was Randy Moss, and look how that situation evolved. You just never know.

Football-wise, Ray Lewis is hardly what I'd call "aging" and also here he'd likely play with a different strategy and in a different system, and certainly under a different coach. He wouldn't be called upon to be a "superstar" here,nor would he be treated like one.

Plus look how much Junior contributed here, and he's "ancient" for sure Ray Lewis is a beast no matter how you slice it, and he knows the game. It might take him awhile to fit into a new system but once he did, look out

We need a SB not next year, but THIS year imho. Whatever it takes.

FWIW I think the Pats agree. Whatever happens with the trades,the draft,etc we'll come to play this season, and BB will have us locked and loaded too. If that somehow involves Ray Lewis then I'll sign up to personally pick him up at the airport.

 

[WhiskeyBreath]

Seems like Lewis is going to remain a Raven. Finally, I'm sick of the Lewis to the Pats talks. We need the money for Vince.

 

[JSn]

Michael Holley, it seems, is as bad at speculation as we are.

Course, he may have been sued to try and drive down JP's price. I believe it has just gone back up a shade.