[News] Joe Flacco Discusses Upcoming Contract Negotiations

[Purple Dawg 96]

Pocket "QBs" are fading fast and the Ravens gotta keep up with the times! Look around at mobile QBs in the playoffs and how much further they go!

[ReginaldColeman1]

A reason for creating the ultra high contract numbers is it inflates the value of the team on paper much the way equity in a corporation does that. Another more important reason is contracts generate interest simply because the numbers themselves are astronomical. The entertainment industry creates its own headlines. If fans thought their players made average wages they might not bother pay hundreds of dollars a year to see them in person, buy their jerseys and generally participate in hero worship. You're not in Kansas anymore........

[OUravensfan]

Pocket "QBs" are fading fast and the Ravens gotta keep up with the times! Look around at mobile QBs in the playoffs and how much further they go!

Brady scrambled a ton in that super bowl

[Tru11]

Brady scrambled a ton in that super bowl

 

he scrambled against US for a TD last year  

[regz1997]

And this is what people didn't consider when we signed him to this mega-deal a couple years ago. All of us know Flacco is a team-first guy, and he'll help out the team whenever possible. The team completely expected to restructure the deal when they signed him. The inflated back-loaded deal was simply a statement of how important Joe is to this organization.

[regz1997]

Brady scrambled a ton in that super bowl

Brady who?

[rmcjacket23]

A reason for creating the ultra high contract numbers is it inflates the value of the team on paper much the way equity in a corporation does that. Another more important reason is contracts generate interest simply because the numbers themselves are astronomical. The entertainment industry creates its own headlines. If fans thought their players made average wages they might not bother pay hundreds of dollars a year to see them in person, buy their jerseys and generally participate in hero worship. You're not in Kansas anymore........

Yes and no. The reason for the ultra high contract numbers is because of the salary cap. The salary cap, simply put, is a percentage of revenue that both sides collectively bargained for.

 

For example, if the NFL did $1 Billion in revenue, and the CBA dictates that players get 50% of that, then the total league-wide cap spending is $500 million. Divide that by 32 teams, and you'd have a team salary cap of $15.6M for that season.

 

As revenue increases, so does the cap. Naturally, as the cap increases, so do player contracts.

[rmcjacket23]

And this is what people didn't consider when we signed him to this mega-deal a couple years ago. All of us know Flacco is a team-first guy, and he'll help out the team whenever possible. The team completely expected to restructure the deal when they signed him. The inflated back-loaded deal was simply a statement of how important Joe is to this organization.

Partially yes. I also think the FO felt that, even with gutting the defense in 2013, we had a decent window in the three years following the SB (2013-2015) to still be a realistic SB contender, and thus they tried to keep his cap hits low enough so they could sign other players. 

 

There's also the possibility that they had the foresight to know that the salary cap would grow significantly over that period, and that a $25-30M cap hit in 2016 really wouldn't be that high when you consider the overall cap impact.

 

Regardless, I'd expect them to flatten out the cap impact on his next deal more. But in either scenario, the days of him playing with a cap hit of less than $15M in any given year are completely over. I'd be shocked if he's playing at under an $18M cap hit in any season in the next 3-5 years.

[stixfix69]

Flacco and his agent knew it was a 3 year deal, but wanted the guaranteed money locked in, so that is why he isn't shocked, or acting like it's a big deal....All this does is add more years to his original deal, and more money in the end....

[Tru11]

Partially yes. I also think the FO felt that, even with gutting the defense in 2013, we had a decent window in the three years following the SB (2013-2015) to still be a realistic SB contender, and thus they tried to keep his cap hits low enough so they could sign other players. 

 

There's also the possibility that they had the foresight to know that the salary cap would grow significantly over that period, and that a $25-30M cap hit in 2016 really wouldn't be that high when you consider the overall cap impact.

 

Regardless, I'd expect them to flatten out the cap impact on his next deal more. But in either scenario, the days of him playing with a cap hit of less than $15M in any given year are completely over. I'd be shocked if he's playing at under an $18M cap hit in any season in the next 3-5 years.

 

would be a bargain but certainly not to be expected TBH.

[rmcjacket23]

would be a bargain but certainly not to be expected TBH.

My expectation is you'll see him with cap hits between $20-25M in the next 3-5 years.

 

My guess would be somewhere around $20-22M for this season, which would be a $6-8M reduction.

[bozo]

i'll tell u right now he needs to reduce his contract to help keep key players talking about joe. if hes really a team player he

will help talk less money in order to buy players so we can compete with the division next season. plus hes not worth the money he showed it this season he is only average.

[budman]

Pocket "QBs" are fading fast and the Ravens gotta keep up with the times! Look around at mobile QBs in the playoffs and how much further they go!

How is the pocket passer "fading fast'? There are really only 4 Qb's that are "read option" and that is counting R.Wilson who really only runs when he has to now. The other 3 are Taylor-Bills, Mariota-Titans, Newton-Panthers.

The rest are really"pocket"Qbs:

Flacco, Tannehill, Brady, Fitzpatrick, Dalton, Big Ben, Hoyer, Luck, Bortles, Manning/Ostweiler, Al.Smith, P.Rivers, D.Carr, Romo, E.Manning, Bradford, Cousins, Cutler, Stafford, A.Rodgers, Bridgewater, Gabbert, Foles, Palmer, Winston, Brees, M.Ryan.

[rmcjacket23]

i'll tell u right now he needs to reduce his contract to help keep key players talking about joe. if hes really a team player he will help talk less money in order to buy players so we can compete with the division next season. plus hes not worth the money he showed it this season he is only average.

How many people in your entire life do you know who have voluntarily taken less money so that their employer can make more money?

 

There is not a single person on this planet I know or will ever know that would do that, nor should they. I get being a fan and all, but a realistic fan would never expect another human being to do this.

 

Its been proven many times that its still very, very, very possible to win a SB with a QB with a large salary cap hit. One doesn't prohibit the other from happening.

[Derrel]

Flacco's agent negotiated after a big season and now he will work through his past season. Without a doubt they need him but not at this premium. Don't know what options the org. has but Flacco looked ineffective before his injury regardless of who he was throwing to....accuracy issues, throwing off his back foot and too many interceptions. Fix the LT problem, get a solid running back and add some targets. Easily said.....

[January J]

Saw this earlier , thought it may be useful to some.

Over the coming months, you'll hear a lot of WRONG information about the state of the Ravens' salary cap. Our cap guru sets the record straight here, c/o Royal Farms.

Bookmark this page and be the smartest one at the water cooler, the bar, or in the comment section whenever the subject of the Cap comes up!

2016 Ravens Salary Cap Preview v2.0

With the 2015 season drawing to a close, it's time to look ahead at the Baltimore Ravens' salary cap situation for the 2016 season at present time.

http://russellstreetreport.com/2016/01/04/baltimore-ravens-salary-cap/2016-salary-cap-preview-v2-0/

[burnbigben]

Surprisingly strong play? I want him to restructure too but Ryan Mallet is irreverent in this discussion, he shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence as Flacco, he's a joke.

We probably have a 2011 opening game type performance against Pittsburgh if Flacco was starting, we need to stop acting like Mallet threw 3-4 TDs a week. It's not like he did what AJ McCarron did in his short starting period, granted way better talent, but Mallet looked terrible on Sunday and average against Puttsburgh.

 

So I take it you didn't actually watch the games then? Mallet made alot of major league throws out there with what little talent we still had left around him and deserves some credit.

 

Mallet got his first start after being on the team for 12 days while McCarron sat behind Dalton for a year and a half, give your head a shake if you think they are even worthy of comparison at this point.

[burnbigben]

Saw this earlier , thought it may be useful to some.

Over the coming months, you'll hear a lot of WRONG information about the state of the Ravens' salary cap. Our cap guru sets the record straight here, c/o Royal Farms.

Bookmark this page and be the smartest one at the water cooler, the bar, or in the comment section whenever the subject of the Cap comes up!

2016 Ravens Salary Cap Preview v2.0

With the 2015 season drawing to a close, it's time to look ahead at the Baltimore Ravens' salary cap situation for the 2016 season at present time.

http://russellstreetreport.com/2016/01/04/baltimore-ravens-salary-cap/2016-salary-cap-preview-v2-0/

 

A good read, thanks!

[rmcjacket23]

So I take it you didn't actually watch the games then? Mallet made alot of major league throws out there with what little talent we still had left around him and deserves some credit.

 

Mallet got his first start after being on the team for 12 days while McCarron sat behind Dalton for a year and a half, give your head a shake if you think they are even worthy of comparison at this point.

I mean, that's true, he looked good in spots. He was also quite erratic for most of the day Sunday... he missed a lot of open throws that I'd expect a STARTING NFL QB to make. I'd expect a backup to miss some of those, and he did. 

 

The most standout example of this that I remembered was the diving no-catch by Maxx Williams. There's really no need for him to be diving there, because he had yards of open space, was wide open by NFL standards, and all you have to do is put the ball on him. He runs for five more yards at least after that, but the throw was poor. There were a couple other throws, like the difficult but make-able throw to Butler that would have resolved into a TD that he also missed.

 

There's comparisons to be made, such as arm strength, but Mallett hasn't shown the consistency in his career thus far to warrant starting QB consideration in my judgment.

 

In a macro sense, I'd ask myself... how many throws did I see Mallett make that Joe can't make? I can't think of one, whereas I can think of several throws I've seen Joe make that I don't think Mallett can make at this stage.

 

That, to me, is the difference between starting and backup QB, and why that distinction should remain that way.

[rmcjacket23]

Saw this earlier , thought it may be useful to some.

Over the coming months, you'll hear a lot of WRONG information about the state of the Ravens' salary cap. Our cap guru sets the record straight here, c/o Royal Farms.

Bookmark this page and be the smartest one at the water cooler, the bar, or in the comment section whenever the subject of the Cap comes up!

2016 Ravens Salary Cap Preview v2.0

With the 2015 season drawing to a close, it's time to look ahead at the Baltimore Ravens' salary cap situation for the 2016 season at present time.

http://russellstreetreport.com/2016/01/04/baltimore-ravens-salary-cap/2016-salary-cap-preview-v2-0/

Thanks, was wondering when RSR would get around to an update.

 

Pretty much echos my sentiments and expectations. 

 

1. We are right up against the cap when FA opens (think they project $800K over, but that's a minimal amount)

 

2. They echoed most of the same cuts we are expecting (Pitta, Canty, Arrington, etc.)

 

3. They project an extension for Joe that would lower his cap number down to the $20M range going forward.

 

Do find it interesting that they didn't address Daryl Smith in the group of potential roster cuts. For me, I think cutting him makes sense, but I can see where people might think differently.

Edited January 5, 2016 by rmcjacket23

[OUravensfan]

So I take it you didn't actually watch the games then? Mallet made alot of major league throws out there with what little talent we still had left around him and deserves some credit.

Mallet got his first start after being on the team for 12 days while McCarron sat behind Dalton for a year and a half, give your head a shake if you think they are even worthy of comparison at this point.

I watched the games, never missed one and was at the Bengals game where his inaccuracy became even more glaring in person when you see how open some people were. I watched him beat Pittsburgh by having a lot of time to throw and for the most part checking it down, inaccurately I might add. That's the 31st ranked defense I promise you if Joe was back there for THAT specific game he dominates them similar to 2011s home opener. But Pittsburgh knows Flacco is 10x the QB Mallet will ever be and they would have been foolish to bait throws and not bring pressure.

Like someone just said above me, he made no throws Joe can't or wouldn't have made, and he certainly hasn't shown he can consistently make the throws Joe does make. And he looked very rattled, he threw a WR screen into the dirt that nullified a great play and TD from Butler.

The point I'm making with McCarron is he actually threw multiple touchdowns in multiple games which is more symbolic of strong play versus Mallet throwing 2 TDs in 2 games and a few picks where he's lucky it was kept to a few. Not to mention a few temper tantrums that are embarrassing considering this is from a guy that was just kicked out of Houston for oversleeping and has less career wins than Flacco has playoff wins. I get the on the team for 2 weeks but he has more starting experience than McCarron does. Poor example though because I think I could throw some TDs to AJ Green lined up against Wright, I'll give you that.

Ryan Mallet has no impact on Flaccos contract negotiations, if nothing else we have a backup that's better than Schaub.

Edited January 5, 2016 by OUravensfan

[OUravensfan]

he scrambled against US for a TD last year

Yea that sucked, I knew that would fire up the crowd and his stupid spike would follow. But then we miraculously regained another 14 point lead....And then Rashad Melvin happened.

Edited January 5, 2016 by OUravensfan

[burnbigben]

I watched the games, never missed one and was at the Bengals game where his inaccuracy became even more glaring in person when you see how open some people were. I watched him beat Pittsburgh by having a lot of time to throw and for the most part checking it down, inaccurately I might add. That's the 31st ranked defense I promise you if Joe was back there for THAT specific game he dominates them similar to 2011s home opener. But Pittsburgh knows Flacco is 10x the QB Mallet will ever be and they would have been foolish to bait throws and not bring pressure.

Like someone just said above me, he made no throws Joe can't or wouldn't have made, and he certainly hasn't shown he can consistently make the throws Joe does make. And he looked very rattled, he threw a WR screen into the dirt that nullified a great play and TD from Butler.

The point I'm making with McCarron is he actually threw multiple touchdowns in multiple games which is more symbolic of strong play versus Mallet throwing 2 TDs in 2 games and a few picks where he's lucky it was kept to a few. Not to mention a few temper tantrums that are embarrassing considering this is from a guy that was just kicked out of Houston for oversleeping and has less career wins than Flacco has playoff wins. I get the on the team for 2 weeks but he has more starting experience than McCarron does. Poor example though because I think I could throw some TDs to AJ Green lined up against Wright, I'll give you that.

Ryan Mallet has no impact on Flaccos contract negotiations, if nothing else we have a backup that's better than Schaub.

 

Agree to disagree I guess. Flacco's 17 total TD's to 14 turnovers through 10 games, most of it done before half of the offense went on IR, doesn't tell a story of someone lighting it up like you suggest.  Flacco has, and likely always will be, wildy inconsistent in the regular season.

[OUravensfan]

Agree to disagree I guess. Flacco's 17 total TD's to 14 turnovers through 10 games, most of it done before half of the offense went on IR, doesn't tell a story of someone lighting it up like you suggest. Flacco has, and likely always will be, wildy inconsistent in the regular season.

Steve Smith did drop 4 TDs but even this season he still had more 300 yard multiple TD games than all of our other qbs combined this year. And just one pick six lol, hard to compete with Schaub on those.

[January J]

Thanks, was wondering when RSR would get around to an update.

 

Pretty much echos my sentiments and expectations. 

 

1. We are right up against the cap when FA opens (think they project $800K over, but that's a minimal amount)

 

2. They echoed most of the same cuts we are expecting (Pitta, Canty, Arrington, etc.)

 

3. They project an extension for Joe that would lower his cap number down to the $20M range going forward.

 

Do find it interesting that they didn't address Daryl Smith in the group of potential roster cuts. For me, I think cutting him makes sense, but I can see where people might think differently.

well we will see if he retires first, a good possibility. Unless he has stated otherwise- if he has said he will return I wasn't aware of it.

[burnbigben]

Steve Smith did drop 4 TDs but even this season he still had more 300 yard multiple TD games than all of our other qbs combined this year. And just one pick six lol, hard to compete with Schaub on those.

 

Let's just avoid the whole Shaub convo altogether lol

 

[OUravensfan]

Let's just avoid the whole Shaub convo altogether lol

I kind of wanted him to break his own streak though! It's pretty impressive.

[utalkingtome123]

Flacco definitely needs to restructure his contract, and can somebody tell me webbs cap hit because he needs to go and people saying he's valuable..... no a ramsey or VH3 would probably replace webb quick

Edited January 5, 2016 by utalkingtome123

[sp3ctor]

Ugh...

To summarize what I wrote already above

1. Brees is making $20M, not $30M, and it's not his job to bail out the FO for their contract mistakes.

2. The cap hit range for Flacco future deal will be at least $18M a year and more likely $20-22M. Your range is far too low and below his market value.

As far as the "nobody is worth that much argument", it's largely incorrect. For starters, a players worth, by definition, is whatever a team is willing to pay for him. So if a team wants to pay somebody $50M a year, that's his worth.

They've also done plenty of economic studies that show the true "worth" of a player like Brees to his franchise is significantly greater than what any of them are getting paid. Brees himself single handedly generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue annually for his employer.

 

I'm not sure where you receive your information from but Brees is on the books for $30 mill next year. His base salary is just under $20 but $30 mill counts against the cap. Therefore, Brees is costing his team $30 mill. 

 

I agree with your second point that I was low on Flacco's value. $20 mill a year sounds right and if the cap figures are going up as much as they're slated to then he may even work out a deal over $20 mill average per year. 

And my final point isn't that a player couldn't be paid whatever the FO wants. My point is that they shouldn't pay. This is why these FO folks are being paid hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of dollars per year to put together a roster. Not to pay players debilitating salaries. Considering Brees hasn't had a very good season and is getting up in age. I understand that he doesn't have to do anything. They messed up by giving him a contract they couldn't wiggle out of. But the team also gave him plenty of good years and I guess it's the fool in me to think that a 37 year old QB would want to maybe, I don't know, help out the team that has given him ample opportunities to win championships (taking home 1 of course) and work out a deal that could keep him under center for another couple seasons. 

Now your final point is something of a head scratcher. True value? Any employee working just about anywhere generates easily 5 times what they earn for their company. That's how capitalism works. If you make $20 an hour you can rest assured your company is making more than $100 per hour off of you to justify your salary and benefits. Companies are in it to make a profit. If Brees makes NO $250 mill in a year, what of that is entitled to him when his job is simply to play QB? An actor staring in, say, Star Wars will be made into an incomprehensible amount of merchandise (graphics for clothing, action figures, plush toys, etc.), yet they receive the salary they negotiate to do their job, which is to act. Plus if I really want to turn the table here, how much money has Brees made off of his private advertisement campaigns that directly stem from him being employed by NO? That factors into it, given that his national Tide commercials alone would never have come to pass if he weren't throwing darts in the NFL.

So, to summarize: I was mistaken about Joe's value, but stand behind everything else that was said as you really didn't support your arguments with much in the way of evidence. However, with that said, I'd enjoy reading more on how much players bring to a franchise if you care to link any articles or sources for me to look over, as I couldn't really find anything to support your claims online.   

[MGS]

Someone discussed the lack of TD (17) and abundance of TOs (14) in the first 10 games does warrant some merit. However, simply but, if Flacco has someone (other than Smith) to throw to, it might have been a different story. Out of those 10 games, the Ravens lost the game by less than 8 points.

He is in his 9th season. If Flacco wants money, he'll get money and the team will remain as mediocre as they have been for the past 3 years... need I remind you... 3 place in the division 3 years in a row....and the fact that 3rd place this year demonstrates the gap between the Ravens and the other (Steelers / Bengals) is widening. However, if Flacco wants immortality - meaning, a place in the NFL HOF, he'd better (like Brady) think about sacrificing some money so he has someone to protect him and someone to throw to.