New Jets Coach Rex Ryan Might Bring Ray Lewis to New York

Here's what we know: former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is the new Jets' head coach, current Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis will be an unrestricted free agent in a few weeks, and Brett Favre has yet to inform anybody of his retirement plans.

And while we wait for that announcement (some people think Ryan should make Favre's decision for him), a little something to consider: Lewis could join Ryan in New York.

Presumably, the Ravens would like to keep Lewis in Baltimore. But teammates Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott are also entering free agency and that, coupled with salary-cap considerations, means that one, maybe two players won't be back.

Like Favre, Lewis is in the twilight of a great career. But unlike the gunslinger, who looked tired, haggard and, well, 39 years old last season, Ray-Ray was his usual dominating self. And given how the Jets' defense faltered down the stretch, he'd certainly be upgrade, both on the field and in the locker room.

Lewis, 33, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, is well-versed as an inside linebacker in Ryan's 3-4 system, and the Jets will have an opening because incumbent Eric Barton will be a free agent. Even though they want to re-sign Lewis, the Ravens may let him test the open market to determine his value.

The New York Daily News' Rich Cimini adds that Jets fans can forget about Suggs since the organization has so much money tied up in last year's first-round pick, Vernon Gholston. But maybe Ryan can do for Gholston what he did for Lewis. "I think I made Ray, to be honest with you," Ryan joked. "He was an average player until I got him."

Whatever happens, it sounds like Ray will get what he wants: one more huge payday. Because if the Ravens or Jets can't work a deal, Jerry Jones almost certainly will.

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New York Jets coach Rex Ryan poses with his wife, Michelle, during a news conference at the Jets training facility to introduce Ryan as the new Jets coach in Florham Park, N.J., Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Derer)

New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan speaks at a press conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)

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New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan (C) poses for pictures with with team owner Woody Johnson (R) and general manager Mike Tannenbaum (L) at a press conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)

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New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan (R) poses with his wife, Michelle, after a press conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)

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New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan speaks at a news conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)

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New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan listens at a news conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)

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New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan speaks at a news conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)

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New York Jets new head coach Rex Ryan speaks at a news conference at their training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, January 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)

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New York Jets coach Rex Ryan speaks during a news conference at the Jets training facility, to introduce Ryan as the new Jets coach, in Florham Park, N.J., Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Derer)

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan gestures during a news conference at the Jets training facility, to introduce Ryan as the new Jets coach, in Florham Park, N.J., Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Derer)