The Ravens and linebacker Terrell Suggs have, as of this posting, roughly seven hours to work out a long-term deal.Per a league source, talks are continuing, and the team is hopeful of getting a deal done.
If they don't, Suggs could be entering his final season in Baltimore.
Here's why. Suggs, unlike all of the other 2009 franchise players, will operate in his second season under the one-year franchise tag. Given the 2006 revisions to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, his tender for a third season under the tag automatically would be the average of the five highest-paid players in the entire league.
This year, Suggs will make $10.2 million under the tag. The number represents a 120 percent increase over last year's franchise tender for Suggs, which specifically was crafted for him via the resolution of a grievance over the question of whether he's a linebacker or a defensive end.
Next year, that number would shoot to more than $15 million, and it possibly would approach $20 million.
Whether the Ravens are willing to devote that much money to Suggs in 2010 remains to be seen. The fact that the ultra-high tender amount is looming for next season gives him added leverage as both sides try to work out an agreement aimed at extending his six-year tenure with the team.
When I saw the headline, I thought of the Cleveland Browns. Is it just me or have they, since their return produced more quarterbacks and running backs that disappear? Lee Suggs, Reuben Droughns, William Green, Terry Kirby, Travis Prentice, James Jackson, Charlie Frye, Tim Couch, Doug Pederson, Spergon Wynn. They've gone out of their way to start players that nobody else will which is why they've had winning seasons in just two of the last ten years.
The Ravens need the cap space to address the WR situation. I'm sure there will be some giving and taking during the day today to get this deal locked. I can't see them spending over $10mil on Suggs, when they can lock him up long term and spread the cash over several years.
If the were giving up key draft picks and high dollars for Boldin, it would have happened by now. And I don't see them giving away the same coveted draft picks for Marshall when he's going to be a free agent next year, with a zero chance of re-signing. These extra $$'s will probably go to Marvin Harrison, or will be spread out over a couple 3rd tier WR's looking for one year deals.
well it is better then Ray Lewis playing beat the bar patron.
They beat the clock...Suggs is signed per a local radio station