Joe Flacco To Become The Highest-Paid Player In NFL History
At an average of $20.1 million per year, Flacco's new contract would eclipse the $20.0 million average for Drew Brees' 5-year, $100 million contract signed with the New Orleans Saints prior to last season.
Of course, in the NFL, the total value of the contract means less than the guaranteed value of the contract. It is unclear how much of Flacco's deal is guaranteed, but it is likely to be greater than the $61.0 million guaranteed that Brees received.
The deal is a big gamble for the Ravens, but one they probably had to make. Flacco ranked just 25th among quarterbacks this past season according to Total QBR. But he led the Ravens to their second Super Bowl title with one of the great postseason performances ever, throwing 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in four games.