JETS COULD BE LOOKING AT RAY LEWIS’ TEAMMATES

In light of Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s adamant stance that the team will do everything possible to hold onto star middle linebacker Ray Lewis, the New York Jets are expected to take a long look at a few of his defensive teammates, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. The Jets are in need of a versatile inside linebacker to play next to David Harris since starter Eric Barton is a free agent, and hard-hitting Ravens linebacker Bart Scott could fit the bill as Barton’s potential replacement. Scott, 28, finished second on the Ravens in tackles behind Lewis and is expected to be in demand as an unrestricted free agent. Scott led all NFL inside linebackers with 9 1/2 sacks in 2006, but was used primarily as a run-stopper and in pass coverage the past two seasons. Harbaugh has also said the team wants to keep Scott. Plus, the team is expected to either sign Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs to a blockbuster long-term contract or use the franchise tag on him again. Another player on the radar of former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, the new Jets’ head coach, could be underrated, undersized Baltimore strong safety Jim Leonhard. According to Star-Ledger beat writer Dave Hutchinson, the Jets have been looking for someone to play next to standout safety Kerry Rhodes for several years and are expected to pursue Leonhard. Leonhard excelled after taking over for an injured Dawan Landry (spinal cord concussion), fitting in with the NFL’s second-ranked defense and stepping in as a punt returner throughout the season.