Ravens ready to pay big to keep Ray Lewis

HONOLULU — Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, 33, says his best football is ahead of him and he will "be buckling up a chin strap for someone at the beginning of next season. Whatever happens, happens."

Though the impending free agent talked on the NFL Network about the possibility of reuniting with ex-Ravens defensive coordinator and new New York Jets coach Rex Ryan as well as saying flattering things about the Dallas Cowboys, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is convinced a deal can be struck to allow the two-time defensive player of the year to end his career as a Raven.

Owner Steve Bisciotti has said he's putting his wife on a budget to be able to afford Lewis, fellow linebackers Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott, center Jason Brown and safety Jim Leonhard, who all become free agents Feb. 27.

"Ray Lewis is going to be a guy we're going to pay a lot of money to in order to keep," Harbaugh said before coaching the AFC in Sunday's Pro Bowl. "Steve said he thinks we'll be willing to pay more than anybody else.

"I know Ray has to take a look around. But I'm definitely convinced that Ray wants to finish his career a Baltimore Raven. And there's no question the Baltimore Ravens definitely want Ray."

(usatoday.com)