Ray Lewis can stay as long as he wants

Jamison Hensley reports in the Baltimore Sun that the Ravens are looking to lock Ray Lewis up for a few more years. Lewis' contract expires after the 2008 season. Steve Biscotti asserted that if Lewis were to enter into free agency, the Ravens would outbid any potential suitors.

There has obviously been debate about Lewis' rising age and declining activity on the field, but with 112 tackles last season he was still the statistical leader of the Ravens. More integral than anything is the importance Ray Lewis has at the emotional and spiritual leader of the team. He has the undeniable ability to make his teammates play better. He is also the race of a franchise that's currently struggling. When Ray does retire, the next in line to succeed him as "the man" is Ed Reed, but until that time comes Lewis should be given whatever he wants. He can get a 4-year extension worth $40 million, all of which is guaranteed for all I care. He could ask for fluffy bunnies and gum drop rainbows, curly french fries, and the worlds largest yarn ball. He deserves it all.