Joe Flacco becomes highest paid athlete in NFL History
On Monday, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco signed a new deal with the team for $120.6 million over 6 years, $52 million of which is guaranteed money. In addition, Flacco will receive a $29 million signing bonus. Flacco tells reporters that the new deal wasn't necessarily about the money but more so about him feeling that he was "respected around here [The Ravens organization]". He went on to explain that he feels he is an asset to the team. It is clear that Flacco feels he has earned this contract that not only makes him the highest paid quarterback in the NFL but also the highest paid athlete in NFL History. This past postseason was undoubtedly extremely well-played and impressive by Flacco. He threw 11 touchdown passes with no interceptions while beating Peyton Manning and Tom Brady en route to his first SuperBowl championship and MVP title. However the question remains: Does Flacco deserve to be the highest paid quarterback in this league? Flacco will be receiving more money than what many would call more talented and proven quarterbacks in this league like Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning. Experts do strongly believe though, that Flacco's contract will be reconstructed by 2016.
NFL in Los Angeles?
The Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) has a plan, unanimously voted in favor of by the Los Angeles city council, they've proposed to the NFL to build a downtown football stadium in hopes of bringing an NFL team back to LA. The league,however, thinks that the plan won't work because of cost, among other reasons. Off the record, the NFL believes that AEG's plan will cost at least $1.8 billion and in turn is practically unworkable due to their belief that based on the plan it would be either too hard for the AEG to bring in revenue and pay off the debt on the stadium or too hard for the team. AEG's plan calls for the stadium to replace a convention center and be located right across the street from The Staples Center.
Los Angeles has a history, though in spurts, of NFL teams in the city. The Cleveland Rams became the first NFL franchise to be located in LA in 1946. In 1980 the Rams moved to Anaheim then shortly after made their ultimate departure from California in 1996 to St. Louis. The Oakland Raiders relocated to LA in 1982 only to move back to Oakland after the 1994 season. AEG is staying hopeful and in contact with the NFL committee that holds the power to relocate a team to Los Angeles. AEG's President Tim Leiweke says they are willing to make changes to the plan.
Darrelle Revis voted off the island?
New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis is recognized by many as one of the games best at his position and surely an asset to any team he plays for, when healthy. Revis would be coming back this season from an ACL injury, playing only 2 games in the 2012-2013 season. The Jets were pretty direct in stating that Revis would be shopped around during this upcoming scouting season.
Rumors surfaced about Revis possibly joining to the current NFC champion San Franscico 49ers team. Revis is on record saying he feels he would be an add to this team and 49ers tight end Vernon Davis has made statements of acceptance when asked how he would feel if Revis became a new addition to his team. However recent more rumors say that the 49ers have ".001 on a scale of 1-10" interest in Revis, per a high-ranking team source. A few ESPN and NFL insiders are saying Revis is currently very tough to trade. Though much of this is speculation and guestimation at this point, we will know more in the weeks and months to come as free agency and the NFL draft gets closer.
Wes Welker pumps the Patriots brakes
New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker says he does not plan to re-sign with the organization before he tests the free agency market. The dynamic tandem him and his quarterback Tom Brady have built is a very dangerous and talented one to face on the field. Welker is Brady's favorite receiver to throw to and Brady has made it clear that he wants to continue to work with Welker. Still Welker fully intend to act on his right to test the market and see what other suitors are wiling to pay for him. He is prepared to part ways with New England for the right offer.
If Welker did move on from the Patriots and the organization also releases receiver Brandon Lloyd, which many believe they will, their depth chart for receivers becomes practically non-existent as it will basically be complied of two 2012 street free agents and one 2012 7th round draft pick. However, most analysts feel that Welker will wind up back in New England.
What's your take? Does Joe Flacco deserve his contract? Would you want another NFL team in LA? What team is the best fit for Darrelle Revis? Will Wes Welker really leave the Patriots organization? Comment below or Tweet me @RealRundown !
Sources: ESPN, SportsCenter, Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports
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