SI: Jamal Lewis likely to be free agent?

[sr7706]

From Peter King at SI:

5. I think one of the most interesting stories of this offseason is where Jamal Lewis will land. I don't expect the Ravens to re-sign him. I expect the Ravens to opt instead for the cheaper and shiftier Toledo Rocket, Chester Taylor. That would leave Lewis to fend for himself in a running back-rich market, competing with Edgerrin James and, if he doesn't get signed by the Seahawks before free agency begins, Shaun Alexander. I think Green Bay would be a great fit for Lewis, depending on what happens with rehabbing Packer Ahman Green. Or Arizona. I could see Denny Green going hard after Lewis and giving him the ball 375 times this year. Or Carolina.

Any thoughts? I would have to say you have to look a serious look.

 

[joeshmo]

Now I can see Jamal Lewis more then I can see Edge or Alexander, for the simple fact that Lewis will be cheaper and more willing to except an offer with incentives in it since he needs to prove himself. Giving Denny the ability to use more of his "pie" on other things.

 

[nathan]

Now I can see Jamal Lewis more then I can see Edge or Alexander, for the simple fact that Lewis will be cheaper and more willing to except an offer with incentives in it since he needs to prove himself. Giving Denny the ability to use more of his "pie" on other things.

I would rather have Ricky Williams, but I agree that Jamal Lewis is a more realistic target than James or Alexander.

 

[az jam]

The only question that I have on the Cards signing Lewis is would the Bidwills allow it? He was convicted of a felony and spent 6 months last year in prison. I believe it was considered drug trafficking which occured after his college season and before he actually signed a contract with the Ravens. I've only been here in Phoenix several years but have heard that the Bidwills frown on this and would stay away from him. Thoughts? Comments?

 

[PortlandCardFan]

The only question that I have on the Cards signing Lewis is would the Bidwills allow it? He was convicted of a felony and spent 6 months last year in prison. I believe it was considered drug trafficking which occured after his college season and before he actually signed a contract with the Ravens. I've only been here in Phoenix several years but have heard that the Bidwills frown on this and would stay away from him. Thoughts? Comments?

I could be way off... but I thought Jamal was pretty humbled by his stint in the clink. If he presents himself in a redeeming manner I see no reason Bidwill would not get him. Sure Bill wants good character guys but I would think he is will to forgive someone for prior mistakes.

 

[DevonCardsFan]

I could be way off... but I thought Jamal was pretty humbled by his stint in the clink. If he presents himself in a redeeming manner I see no reason Bidwill would not get him. Sure Bill wants good character guys but I would think he is will to forgive someone for prior mistakes.

Cards might have to get Lewis, James and Alexander need holes opened to gain yards. Cards O-line sucks so bad, Lewis would have to plow over guys too get yards, I could see that happening

 

[DKCards]

Lewis’s Yards per year have dropped drastically over the last three years. He went from 2066 to 1006 to 906 in 2005.

The part that worries me the most is his yards per carry. They have dropped almost a yard per year from 5.3 to 4.3 to only 3.4 this past year.

I would hate to get a guy on the down hill side of his career. The positive side is he is younger then James or Alexander and had an off year so he should come much cheaper. Maybe a change of scenery is what he needs but it could backfire also.

 

[AntSports Steve]

He played injured last year. Anyone know what kind of injury? How bad? Once RBs start to breakdown, they go down hill fast.

Also, since he was in prison last year, he didn't get to do much offseason training like he normally does. Anyone from the BAL area know the scoop?

 

[Stout]

If he's healthy, comes at a value, and the deal is incentive-laden, then sure. Otherwise, pass.

There is no good reason why we should not go after Edge with all guns blazing.

 

[Matt L]

he got over a thousand yards while missing 4 games because of suspension.

 

[DKCards]

he got over a thousand yards while missing 4 games because of suspension.

That was 2004. But his Y/C dropped from 5.3 to 4.3. This year (2005) he played in 15 games and his Y/C dropped again to 3.4.

Was he hurt this year, just lack of training (due to prison), just a down year or is he on the downside? I don’t know but that dropping yards per carry is scary.

 

[The Commish]

That was 2004. But his Y/C dropped from 5.3 to 4.3. This year (2005) he played in 15 games and his Y/C dropped again to 3.4.

Was he hurt this year, just lack of training (due to prison), just a down year or is he on the downside? I don’t know but that dropping yards per carry is scary.

He had ankle surgery last offseason, and according to various reports the type of surgery he underwent requires over a year before full recovery. I remember Brian Billick saying as much at the beginning of the year, stating that Jamal wouldn't be at full strength for most of the year. However, when he came back from prison, people did note that he was in excellent shape and was working hard in practice. The one thing however that a lot of people noticed which is somewhat bothersome is that he didn't hit the hole as hard as he used to, and he seemed to go down much easier (sounds like JJ Arrington ). Is this a result of a bad ankle, lack of confidence, both? Who knows.

I have always liked Jamal Lewis for his power and explosiveness, but I don't feel that he is the solution to our running game. I could be wrong and it sounds like he will have the chance to prove himself elsewhere. But if I were the Cardinals front office I would stay away in favor of better options. There are too many unknowns with his health. Same goes for Ahman Green.

 

[SuperSpck]

There was also a potential contract dispute, Lewis wanting an extention and the Ravens taking a 'wait and see' attitude. There was a blurb in the press about Lewis not running as hard 'to sacrifice his body' for a team without a long-term commitment to him. It was a pretty big story mid season, I'll see what I can dig up on it.

 

[seesred]

IMO our best chance of signing a RB is the EDGE. Alexander wont get out of Seattle, Lewis has many problems, lower productivity, coming off an injury and the off field which can't be discounted. This is what I would like to see
Edge first
White second


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[Tashunca]

Jamal's strengths that we can use are TWOFOLD! First...he'll score in the redzone! Second you give him the ball in the fourth quarter and he'll ride out your win. (Defenses don't want to confront him late in the games) He'll SECURE your victory.

 

[Redsz]

When has Green ever used a back to carry over 375 times in a year? The closest was Robert Smith who carried the ball about 280 - 290 times when he was unstopable in MIN. I don't think Lewis is too great of a pass catcher ether.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be crying in my soup if we signed him. But atleast on paper he doesn't really seem to fit our offense?

 

[Redsz]

OK, I have flipped flopped on Lewis now.

After taking a look at his splits, he is actually strongest when carrying the ball through his 11 - 20 attempts in a game.

Since 2002 he has put up (with carries between 11 - 20): 2,276 yds on 4.9 YPC.

If you give him the ball about 15 - 18 times a game (which is the norm in Green's offense) he is going to dominate.

 

[BACH]

Now I can see Jamal Lewis more then I can see Edge or Alexander, for the simple fact that Lewis will be cheaper and more willing to except an offer with incentives in it since he needs to prove himself. Giving Denny the ability to use more of his "pie" on other things.

I agree.

While I would love to see Edge or Alexander here, Lewis is a more logical choice for several reasons.

I would rate Lewis slighty below Edge and Alexander, but after this season season his pricetag has dropped significantly. I wouldn't be surprised to see Lewis for about 60% of Alexander's and Edge's pricetag.

He's younger than both Alexander and James.

Getting a powerback like Lewis relatively cheap wouldn't force the coaching staff to play him on 90% of all plays like they probably would with a $6M salary like Alexander and James. That would IMO keep the offense more flexible AND keep JJ in the mix. Is Green ready to write off his own 2nd round pick after just one season?

 

[az jam]

You could probably sign Lewis to an incentive based contract. He still wants big bucks and was thinking that the Ravens would franchise him but it appears that they are going in a different direction. As others mentioned he would be cheaper than Alexander and James.

 

[seesred]

If I was building a new 350 milion dollar stadium and had a fan base of less than 30 thousand, i would want the biggest name I could get for the least amount of money. If we are talking about Alexander, Edge and Lewis, I would try Alexander(Seattle resigns him) then go after Edge and if all else fails Lewsi would make the list.

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