Bad Business

The latest reports on Terrell Suggs are disturbing.  Oh, I'm sure it's all part of how business is conducted in the NFL today, but it seems disingenuous to say you want a guy so much and then not give him a long-term contract.  Granted, Suggs has 8.5 million reason to be happy this season, but I get where's he coming from.  If Ozzie is honest in that he views Suggs as he does Ray, Ed, J.O, and Todd, then he should have done the right thing.  He wouldn't think of letting those other guys stew,  And yet that is what Suggs is going to do all season. 

Suggs is just entering the prime of his career.  He is a ferocious pass rusher that can disrupt an offense almost single-handedly.  He's that good.  I hope he puts up monster numbers and breaks the bank.  It would show the Ravens that they can't treat their big guns the way the treated Suggs.  Any business runs better when it shows the employees some appreciation.

Despite all this, I'm optimistic that Suggs will stay with the Ravens.  I think that Suggs likes playing here.  I think he loves his teammates.  I think he loves the fans. I think he realizes that he has a good situation here and that the team is moving in the right direction. I'm not sure he feels any particular loyalty (at least right now) to the top brass who have left him twisting in the wind, but let's see what the season brings.

Interestingly enough, I read today that Suggs has not officially signed his franchise player tender.  Technically, he is not obligated to show up to camp; of course, by not signing, Suggs won't get paid.  Bottom line: Suggs will sign (heck, if he doesn't, I will) and he'll play.  It's a business decision.  But don't think for a second that Suggs isn't thinking about next preseason.

It's just that football is so unpredictable.  You can't blame a guy for wanting some security. 

The Ravens should have taken care of Suggs.  Next time, it might be much more expensive.  How is that good business?