Joe Flacco-Ravens talks shelved

Updated: September 16, 2012, 2:11 PM ET
By Adam Schefter | ESPN

Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco and the Ravens were close to finalizing a long-term contract extension the first week of August before talks were tabled, according to league sources.

Brees, Flacco Have Winning Hand

Since the 2008 season, the New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees and Baltimore Ravens' Joe Flacco share the most victories by a starting quarterback.

Wins by starting QB Since 2008

W-L Win Pct
Drew Brees 45-20 .692
Joe Flacco 45-21 .681
Matt Ryan 44-19 .698
Ben Roethlisberger 42-18 .700
Aaron Rodgers 41-22 .651
-- ESPN Stats & Information

But they were not just tabled; they essentially were shelved. There have been no contract discussions in the six weeks since the two sides nearly finalized their deal, according to sources.

Part of Flacco's greatest leverage is his seeming indifference about procuring a long-term deal.

The player whose agent has said he believed his client was one of the five best quarterbacks in the league appears far more focused on playing to the level he did during Baltimore's season-opening win over Cincinnati.

As for Baltimore, it can use the franchise tender on its quarterback after this season for about $15 million and then do it again after the 2013 season for another $18 or so million, keeping him locked in as a Raven.

But if the two sides were to resume contract discussions now, they would have to start over, according to sources.

Adam Schefter

NFL
  • ESPN NFL Insider
  • Joined ESPN in 2009
  • Former president of the Pro Football Writers of America and the author of four books

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