So if your Super Bowl winning quarterback asked for $20 million, you wouldn't give it to him? NFL rumors have the Baltimore Ravens releasing Joe Flacco with the Cleveland Browns as the possible winners in a deal.
Let's break this down.
The Ravens stated they don't wanted to overspend despite winning the Super Bowl. Specifically, these comments came from the Ravens' front office. Owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Ozzie Newsome shared their thoughts on free agency, re-signing players and overspending. All the comments seemed to point at Flacco's departure.
Bisciotti doesn't want to disappoint fans, but mentioned free agency as a way to fill for any lost players and Newsome was the one who said the team wouldn't overspend.
Bisciotti and Newsome could be referring, not to Flacco, but maybe Anquan Boldin. He has been their No. 1 receiver for a couple of years and is making the Ravens look like the bad guys. Boldin said he only wants to play for the Ravens. When a guy of Boldin's caliber tells a team he only wants to play for team, then you'd expect an organization to go above and beyond in attempts to keep the player.
However, the front office might not be referring to Flacco. If that's the case, that's where the Browns come into play, but their chances of landing Flacco aren't to prosperous.
The Browns would have to give up two first-round picks if they sign Flacco. Also, they would have to wait until March to make Flacco a qualifying offer.
The Browns are young and don't possess enough talent to make the team contenders by just signing Flacco, so a deal wouldn't make sense. Trent Richardson had a good rookie season, while quarterback Brandon Weeden still has some adjustments to make.
The Browns should be focusing on building their team through the draft, not signing players available on the market.
If the Ravens lose Flacco, everything will be great for them. They get two first-round compensation picks in 2013 and 2014 while getting a great first-round pick after losing Ray Lewis to retirement. Also, they can get one of numerous quarterbacks fulfilling backup duties which include Alex Smith, Matt Flynn or maybe even Tim Tebow.
We'll be keeping you posted as these rumors continue to develop. As of now, Flacco is seeking $20 million a year which would make him the highest paid player in the league.
Do you think Flacco deserves that kind of money? Sound off in the discussion section at the bottom of the page or tweet me @Frankie_SWR