Ravens Notes: Joe Flacco, Ed Reed, Dannell Ellerbe, Paul Kruger

Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco mentioned that he is “pretty optimistic” about finalizing a new contract with the Ravens in the next few months.

“I’m pretty optimistic, but who knows,” Flacco said, per Aaron Wilson. “This is a great organization. I don’t anticipate any problem.”

Last offseason, the Ravens reportedly offered Flacco a contract that would have paid him $16 million annually, but Flacco turned it down. It seems as though Flacco’s gamble paid off in a huge way as he’s now in position to command around $20 million per season.

In case you haven’t seen it already, Flacco made some great comments regarding his contract following the Ravens Super Bowl win. (NFL.com)

We currently have Flacco listed as the No. 1 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.

Ed Reed

Ravens S Ed Reed mentioned that he’s “not done” with football following a last night’s Super Bowl win.

“This is not it. I’m not done,” said Reed, via the Baltimore Sun. “I’ll reassess things the way I always do and we’ll tune in and get back to you all. It’s all about the moment. I’m not even thinking about this. I love this game. If I’m able to do it, I’ll be doing it.”

Reed has been contemplating retirement for the past couple of seasons, but it seems as though he is going to at least play one more year. The Colts and Patriots have been suggested as potential landing spots for Reed if he’s unable to reach an agreement with the Ravens. 

We currently have Reed listed as the No. 42 best available player in our Top 50 Free Agents List. 

Dannell Ellerbe

Impending free agent LB Dannell Ellerbe mentioned that he would prefer to re-sign with the Ravens this offseason, but also recognizes that “it’s a business.“

“Baltimore is where I got my start, but it’s not up to me,” said Ellerbe, “It’s out of my control. The Ravens know how I feel. I hope we can work something out.“

Ellerbe has been a pleasant surprise for the Ravens this season emerging as another playmaker in the linebacker core. With LB Ray Lewis retiring, Ellerbe has a good shot to get re-signed this offseason.

We currently have Ellerbe listed as the No. 59 best available player in our Top 100 Free Agent list.

Paul Kruger

Impending free agent LB Paul Kruger mentioned that he wants to be back with the Ravens next season, but added that the decision isn’t up to him.

“I just have to let it happen and let my agent do his job. I would love to be here, but it’s not up to me,” said Kruger, per Aaron Wilson. “I’ve never been through the process before.”

Kruger obviously recognizes that the NFL is also a business, and with the demand for pass rushers in the NFL, it’s hard to imagine that the Ravens will be able to put together a contract that’s anywhere near what he’ll command on the open market.

Joe Flacco figures to take up all of their available cap space his next contract, which means there a very good chance that a number of key players will be playing elsewhere next season.

We currently have Kruger listed as the No. 39 best available player in our Top 50 Free Agents List. 

Matt Birk

Aaron Wilson adds that C Matt Birk has yet to make a decision regarding whether he’ll be returning for another season.

“I haven’t decided,” said Birk following last night’s game.

Birk, 36, put together an incredible season and has helped with the development of QB Joe Flacco.  If Birk does decide to retire, the Ravens drafted his eventual successor in the 2012 draft with OL Gino Gradkowski.

Michael Oher

Ravens OT Michael Oher triggered an escalator in his rookie contract that will raise his 2013 salary from $3.085 million to $3.785 million.

Oher will be entering his final year of his rookie contract in 2013, but should be a candidate for a contract extension sometime in the near future.