Instead of signing quarterback Joe Flacco the Baltimore Ravens waited to see his results from the 2012 season. Flacco called the teams bluff and put up one of the best post season performances in NFL history while leading the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory.
Before the start of last season Flacco walked away from a five-year extension that would have averaged $16 million a year, including last year’s $6.7 million left on his rookie contract. Flacco’s agent, Joe Linta, said that the two sides could have signed a deal for an extra $1 million in the final year.
“I’ve never in my life seen a dumber move. I guess people can say, ‘Well, Joe was dumb, too.’ It could have been (dumb), God forbid, if he got hurt. But $1 million to Steve Bisciotti six years from now? That’s like 100 bucks for you or me today.” said Linta in an interview with USA Today Sports.
The win in the big game was great news for Flacco and his agent and it netted him a large contract after the game.
Flacco’s new contract is worth over $120 million with $62 million of that money coming in the first three years via signing bonus’ and guaranteed money.
Linta went on to say he understands that Flacco’s deal is for three years because the Ravens simply will not be able to pay the $28-plus million that Flacco will cost in the fourth and fifth year.
“I’m not apologetic for the fact this is really a three-year deal, there’s no way they can afford $29 million a couple of years from now,” Linta said. “I’m not apologetic. They chose to walk away.”
