From the moment the season ended, speculation about Ray Lewis’ future began. Some think he will be back in Baltimore, others think he could move to Dallas or the New York Jets.

There are many questions, but one fact is that if Baltimore opts to slap its franchise tag on Lewis, his salary would be higher than any other linebacker that has ever played the game. It would be a whopping $11,313,600, not the $8,304,000 that previously has been widely reported.

It is $11.313 million because the franchise number must either be the average of the top five players at the position or 120 percent of a player’s prior year salary — whichever is greater. In Lewis’ case, the 120 percent raise from last year’s salary is greater.

If Baltimore franchises Lewis, the correct number is $11,313,600.

Posted in: Adam Schefter  | comments  |