Video: The Washington Post’s LaVar Arrington discusses his personal relationship with Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis following Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker’s wife’s disparaging Facebook comments about the future hall of fame linebacker after the Ravens’ 28-13 victory over New England in the AFC Championship game.
“I’m not discussing that,” Newsome said. “Joe and I have a very good understanding about his contract and where we are. End of story.”
Newsome acknowledged that a tight salary cap won’t allow the Ravens to retain all of their key free agents, a class that includes outside linebacker Paul Kruger (nine sacks), cornerback Cary Williams (four interceptions) and inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (4 1 / 2 sacks).
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“We knew we were going to lose Rod Woodson, we drafted Ed Reed,” Newsome said. “I already can look down the stream. I know what the contract situation is, and, No. 1, I know what our salary cap is. I can look and say and know that we are not going to be able to retain some players.
“So, I don’t have to worry. I worry about winning today, but I’ve got to also worry about winning tomorrow. And I’ve got to be able to balance those books every year.”
Reed is another player whose contract is up after finishing a six-year, $44 million deal that paid him a $7.2 million base salary this season.
The former defensive player of the year intercepted four passes this season, but he’s 34 and his durability and tackling have declined. Reed indicated Thursday that he intends to keep playing and won’t retire after the Super Bowl.
“That’ll be up to Ed Reed,” said Newsome when asked if Reed has a future in coaching. “That’ll be something that Steve [Bisciotti] and I can talk about, but Ed’s still got a lot of football left to play. It’s important for us to keep players around, but Ed’s got a lot of football [left]. And if he decides he wants to do that, I think we can find a way.”
Newsome also weighed in on the fact that no minorities were hired to NFL head coaching jobs this offseason.
“Is the opportunity there? Yes it is,” Newsome said. “Are we going to work to get better? Yes. But all we can do is to put people in front of people. [Pittsburgh Steelers coach] Mike Tomlin got in front of the Rooneys and got that job. I think that opportunity is there.”
— Baltimore Sun
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