One offseason move each NFL team must make
Baltimore Ravens-Cut Joe Flacco
It was only a matter of time before the Ravens went with Lamar Jackson under center, after they drafted him in the first round last April. But a losing streak, Flacco’s hip injury and a bye week combined to make it happen in Week 11 of the past season. The Ravens reshaped their offense into a run-heavy operation, and then went 6-1 with Jackson as the starter to wrap up the regular season and earn a playoff spot.
If there was any doubt Flacco is as good as gone, Baltimore’s promotion of Greg Roman to offensive coordinator removed it. The Ravens’ offense will revolve around Jackson’s running ability and skill set going forward, as he ideally progresses as a passer.
The Ravens will carry $16 million in dead money if they cut Flacco, but they’d also clear $10.5 million in much-needed cap space. A trade is possible, but the Ravens wouldn’t get more than a mid-round draft pick.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has insisted Flacco has solid value and there will be a market for him once he’s available. That feels true, with a thin class of free agent quarterbacks and a draft class light on sure-fire options, so Baltimore has to cut the former Super Bowl MVP and let him pick his destination.
John Harbaugh on Joe Flacco: “Joe can still play... Joe’s going to have a market, a lot of teams are going to want Joe. ... Joe Flacco is a great talent, he’s a better person, he’s the best QB in the history of the Ravens... he’s going to be just fine.”
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) January 6, 2019