On Friday, the scuttlebutt was that the Jets might be clearing roster space for a run at Ray Lewis. It makes sense; new head coach Rex Ryan was the defensive coordinator in Baltimore and much of their success was due to Lewis' presence.
But New York won't be the only team vying for Ray-Ray's services should he hit free agency in six days. In addition to the Ravens -- who have said they'll match any offer Lewis receives -- word on the street is that the Cowboys are also interested.
Owner Jerry Jones has been noncommittal about free agency in general, but Cowboy-for-now Terrell Owens lobbied for Lewis earlier this month. And even though Ray said he'll leave his professional fate in the Lord's capable hands, Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware hears otherwise.
"When we played Ray Lewis and Baltimore at the end of the season," Ware told the the Cowboys website, "He came over and pointed to my helmet. He said, 'I want to wear this star on my helmet, that's my dream . . . that's my dream.' When we got to the Pro Bowl, he did it again. He came at me every day. It's a great opportunity for him. His door is open. He's an unrestricted free agent. He's trying to get down where the star is. He told me he needed me to get him Jerry Jones' phone number for him. I just busted out laughing.
Lewis would certainly upgrade the Cowboys' middle linebacker position, but he'll be 34 when the season starts. And more than his on-field presence, Jerry Jones would presumably sign him for his leadership skills.
Except, as SI.com's Ross Tucker points out, "Leadership isn't for sale ... There is a process to becoming a franchise leader. Lewis has perfected that process in Baltimore, but that doesn't mean his show will play elsewhere."
But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves; we've still got a week till free agency.
