There are a lot of era’s coming to the end in the NFL, but none more prolific or accomplished than the one that might end in Baltimore.
Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are first ballot hall of fame candidates, legends in the game, and joined at the hip for the better part of 12 years.
With salary issues, age and attrition taking its toll, could we be seeing the end of a defensive dynasty. NFL.com is reporting that Ravens officials don’t feel the 37-year-old Lewis is an every down linebacker anymore.
Take into account Lewis $5.4 million salary in 2013 and the emergence of Dannell Ellerbe, and Lewis is expendable for the first time in his career.
Reed on the other hand still has some ball left in his body, but is an unrestricted free agent in 2013, and may choose to retire or look elsewhere for a nice payday.
The Ravens are no longer the same defense, and may be time to retool while they still have a window of success and a pretty good offense on the other side of the ball.