Tom Brady's three-year contract extension isn't likely to have a major impact on Joe Flacco's negotiations for a long-term contract, but Brady's new deal could cost Flacco close to $1 million next season.
Joe Flacco contract: How Tom Brady’s new deal impacts the Ravens QB
On the surface, Tom Brady’s contract extension wouldn’t seem to have a big impact on Joe Flacco’s free agency, but Brady’s deal could cost Flacco nearly $1 million next season.
Al Bello
If the Ravens and Flacco are unable to agree to a long-term extension, Baltimore is expected to use the exclusive franchise tag to retain Flacco. The value of the exclusive franchise tag is determined by the average of the top five 2013 salary cap hits at each position. Brady was scheduled to have a cap hit of $21.8 million next season, but that number dropped to $13.8 million. With Brady falling out of the top five, the exclusive franchise tender dropped from $20.46 million to $19.58 million, according to Joel Corry of The National Football Post.
While it may not seem like much, a savings of nearly $900,000 could go a long way for the Ravens. The exclusive franchise tender could drop even more if any more of the quarterbacks currently in the top five renegotiate. The top five currently consists of Eli Manning, Matthew Stafford, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees.
Although Brady’s new deal could cost Flacco money next season, the extension won’t be much of a factor in negotiations between Flacco and the Ravens. Flacco is seven years younger than Brady and is in a completely different position in his career. Brady has already cashed in with big contracts during his career. His extension is a team-friendly deal which will still pay him an average of $9 million during his age 37-40 seasons. Flacco, on the other hand, has made less than $24 million during his career and is looking to cash in on his big second contract.
The Ravens have until March 4 to use the franchise tag. Brady’s contract would not impact the price of the non-exclusive franchise tag which is expected to cost $14.64 million.
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