Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Overshadowed by the 2013 NFL playoffs and the miraculous win by the Baltimore Ravens over the Denver Broncos in the divisional round is the contract situation of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. Surprisingly, Flacco will be a free agent after the season ends (which could be this week for Baltimore). So the question now arises: what does his future hold?
That question will probably be answered in the AFC Championship game, a rematch of last year’s title bout between the Ravens and New England Patriots. Baltimore came up just short last time around on a last-second missed field goal, but Ray Lewis has announced he’ll retire after this season and he currently leads the NFL in tackles during these playoffs.
Flacco played out of his mind during the divisional round win over the Broncos, so one has to wonder if the contract is on his mind. One also has to wonder if that contract is riding on his performance in these playoffs. If he doesn’t come through, does head coach John Harbaugh and company look elsewhere for their franchise quarterback? If that’s the case, Baltimore could have a new face for its offense and defense as early as 2013.
There’s only one way to find out: see how Flacco does this time around against the Patriots. Even if the Ravens were to lose in the Super Bowl, just getting there would probably be enough to keep Flacco around. Of course, that’s assuming the organization is currently questioning his future. No assuming in football.
Jeric Griffin is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JericGriffin, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
