This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Joe Flacco is staying in Baltimore.
The Super Bowl MVP quarterback agreed Friday to a new contact with the Ravens, two people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.
Terms were not immediately available, but Flacco was expected to get a long-term contract close to the $20 million average salary Drew Brees earns with New Orleans.Flacco played out his rookie contract last season for $6.76 million and led Baltimore to the NFL championship.
The 28-year-old Flacco is the only quarterback to win a postseason game in each of his first five pro seasons. He had a spectacular playoffs and Super Bowl this year, throwing for 11 touchdowns with no interceptions.
He also holds the record for playoff road wins with six.
Around the league
Falcons • Atlanta released three key veterans Friday — running back Michael Turner, defensive end John Abraham and cornerback Dunta Robinson — moves that were not unexpected given their age (all in their 30s) and hefty salaries. In one swoop, the Falcons let go their top rusher, their leader in sacks, and a starter in the secondary. The moves free up about $16 million in salary cap space.
Broncos • Denver placed its franchise tag on All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady, ensuring the three-time Pro Bowler a salary of $9.828 million in 2013. That's almost triple the $3.5 million Clady made last season when he allowed just one sack in more than 1,100 snaps during Peyton Manning's bounce-back season in Denver.
Panthers • Carolina released starting defensive tackle Ron Edwards in a move that frees up $2.5 million in salary cap space.
Bills • Buffalo retained the rights to safety Jairus Byrd by placing a franchise tag on him before he was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent. In making the move, the Bills have essentially offered Byrd a one-year contract worth $6.9 million. Byrd isn't required to accept the offer, and he's also not prevented from negotiating with other teams. The Bills, however, will have the right to match any offers made to Byrd.