I'm usually not big on older players who have a high cap hit.
But honestly, I could not argue against bringing in Ray Lewis, for multiple reasons.
The first is basically because he is the greatest linebacker I have ever seen play the game. Its a combination of instincts, great physical talent, and hard work ethic. No one can question his leadership either. He is on the downswing of his career but is still at Top 5 ILB. I would think he could also instill a lot of this into younger LB's we pick up.
The second is as a quick fix. We gotta face the fact that Crowder most likely will not be back next year. Akin also was not a great LB, serviceable, but not great. That leaves the Phins to look to fill 2 ILB spots.
Thirdly is that we have the cap room. He wil probably demand ~10 mil a year. But his contract would only be 3 years or so. Its not a long term commitment. We could probably even give a big signing bonus with a smaller salary for the remaining years, to help us out in future FA signings. Most likely we will not fill out our salary cap this year so we could be able to take the major hit against it for this year. However, this is only an option if we do not sign any other big names. If by some reason a Suggs, Boldin, Asomugha, TJ, Haynesworth or the like hit FA and we pick them up, Lewis is probably not the answer because we would tie up a lot of money into 2 players.
I doubt we pull the trigger on Ray, but I do believe he is a good option for these reasons. I could also see him following Rex Ryan to the NYJ. I honestly would hate to play against him 2x a year.
Feelings?
