Earlier Monday, we passed along news that quarterback Joe Flacco will target Drew Brees money in post-season contract negotiations with the Ravens. Flacco’s rookie deal is up, and he’s not giving any hometown discounts.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network filed a Monday evening report on Total Access that makes Flacco’s stance seem even stronger and more dug in.
“I’m told his camp believes he is playing better than Peyton Manning,” Rapoport said, referring to the NFL MVP favorite and future Hall of Famer, who pulls in $19.2 million a year. “Expect them to shoot higher than that.” It’s expected that the Ravens and Flacco will resume contract deliberations immediately after Sunday’s Super Bowl.
Although Flacco will be working from a position of strength, the Ravens do have leverage. It’s called the franchise tag, and at the very least could buy G.M. Ozzie Newsome some negotiating time.
The tentative 2013 franchise number for quarterbacks is $14.642 million, significantly more affordable than the annual average Flacco and his “camp” are eyeballing.
It’s not difficult to imagine talks turning a bit frosty if the franchise tag is indeed wielded. The contract Flacco is targeting would place a debilitating burden on Baltimore’s annual salary cap, and the Ravens under Newsome don’t do bad business.
Flacco is trying to get paid like he’s headed for Canton.