'Hometown discount' for Ravens LB Lewis a long shot

Owner Steve Bisciotti said the franchise tag is not in play as the Ravens try to bring back free-agent LB Ray Lewis, meaning the Ravens are likely to have to come to a multiyear agreement with the charismatic linebacker, who turns 34 in May but is coming off a very good 2008 season. At the Ravens' season-ending press conference, Bisciotti floated the idea of Lewis perhaps taking a "hometown discount," as he put it, to stay in Baltimore and also give the Ravens a little more flexibility to sign free agents. Lewis is unlikely to be amenable to such a discount, considering this could be his last shot at a lucrative, multiyear contract. Bisciotti acknowledged that Lewis could draw a huge offer on the open market, one that the Ravens may not be able to match, but he expressed hope the two sides could get a deal done.