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Extension on menu for Suggs

Pass rusher returns, 'optimistic' he'll remain after this season

By Jamison Hensley | Sun reporter

August 19, 2008

Defensive end-linebacker Terrell Suggs practices after ending a 23-day holdout that resulted from a contract dispute. Suggs signed the franchise tag tender for $8.5 million, but he is looking for a long-term deal. (Sun photo by Lloyd Fox / August 18, 2008)

Ending a 23-day absence as part of his contract dispute, Terrell Suggs was welcomed back with open arms yesterday.

Now, his Ravens teammates are asking only for an open wallet in return.

The two-time Pro Bowl defensive end-linebacker avoided any fines from the team for his holdout, but his teammates will be collecting payment for holding Suggs' spot throughout training camp.

Suggs will treat all of the Ravens' defensive linemen and linebackers - 22 hungry players in total - to dinner Thursday at which there will be no spending limit.

"I think they're going to aim for the fences on this one," he said.

Suggs, 25, can afford to foot the bill after signing a franchise tag tender that will pay him $8.5million this season.

So, how big of a bill can Suggs expect?

"It's going to be pretty big," said defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, one of nine dinner guests who weigh 290 pounds or more. "I'm a big eater. He could expect a couple hundred bucks from me."

If every one of the invited teammates rack up $200, Suggs' tab would be more than $4,400.

Asked whether he was going to eat two porterhouse steaks, Ngata laughed and said, "More like three."

In the long run, it likely will be either the Ravens or another NFL team that will be paying.

Unless the Ravens use the franchise tag on Suggs again, he will be one of the top free agents in the league next offseason.

Suggs is probably targeting a contract similar to the one given to Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney (a six-year, $72million extension that includes $30 million in guaranteed money). Suggs' agent, Gary Wichard, also represents Freeney.

The Ravens can't negotiate with Suggs during the season because the NFL deadline to reach a new contract with franchise players passed before training camp began.

But Suggs said he is "highly optimistic" he will remain with the Ravens.

"I think they'll eventually get something done," he said. "I can't worry about it now. I haven't lost faith in them. I still think they want me here. That's all I have to go on. When I came back, everybody was happy to see me and they welcomed back with open arms."

Suggs said it was difficult for him to skip training camp, saying he decided only the day before players reported to Westminster. It was his way to protest the franchise tag, which kept him from becoming a free agent.

When the Ravens returned to Owings Mills (and when two-a-day practices ended), Suggs was back with the team, participating in every drill yesterday.

"I think the business side stinks for the fans and just stinks for everybody involved," Suggs said. "It's like a tug of war and everybody is pulling in different directions. But it's over."

Suggs alleviated concerns by reporting to the Ravens in good condition after working with trainers in Arizona. But he isn't in football shape yet.

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Extension on menu for Suggs

Pass rusher returns, 'optimistic' he'll remain after this season

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Extension on menu for Suggs

Pass rusher returns, 'optimistic' he'll remain after this season

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