Tom Brady's new deal with the New England Patriots could have an impact on what other quarterbacks will be looking to receive from their respective teams when their contracts are up. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is currently in the midst of contract negotiations and Brady's extension could impact the decision he makes one way or another. However, Flacco's agent is insisting the new Brady contract will have no impact on his client's negotiations with the Baltimore Ravens.
"It doesn't matter. It's an extension for cap purposes. And we don't know all the details at this point. The bottom line is, whether Brady took a pay cut or took $27 million a year, it wouldn't have an impact on what we're doing. We've determined a number that we think is fair with respect for the Ravens' cap situation," agent Joe Linta said.
Brady signed a new three-year, $27 million extension with the Patriots, making him far less than the $20 million per year that Flacco is currently seeking from the Ravens. Even if the extension was for cap purposes, it could change the way the Ravens approach discussions with their Super Bowl MVP quarterback.
Linta recently met with Ravens officials during the NFL Combine and he stressed that talks were progressing but would not be specific about how close the two sides are to reaching a deal.
"We're moving forward. This thing could be done in three minutes or three years," Linta said.
Flacco is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 12. The Ravens are expected to use their franchise tag on him if a deal is unable to be agreed upon. Flacco is willing to agree to a long-term contract that will not compromise the cap space for Baltimore.
"Joe absolutely wants to work with the Ravens to ensure that they're not impacted cap-wise. Joe doesn't want to see anybody get cut as a result of this deal," Linta said.
Flacco completed 22 of 33 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns in the Ravens Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The 28-year old has been in the league for five years. He has thrown for 17,633 yards, 102 touchdowns and 52 interceptions in 80 career games with the Ravens.
