According to James Walker, ESPN's AFC North reporter, the Ravens are built to win right now which is probably the reason why the team is running into contract issues. The Ravens have several key players seeking big money deals.
Starting quarterback Joe Flacco brought the issue to the forefront this past weekend when he expressed disappointment with playing out the fourth year of his rookie contract in 2011. Flacco, who is signed for two more years, led Baltimore to three consecutive playoff appearances and set career highs in yards (3,622), touchdowns (25) and passer rating (93.6) last season. It's understandable that Flacco has his sights set on a new deal. But looking at Baltimore's big picture, it's also easy to see why the team wants to wait until 2012.
Baltimore also has decisions to make on the rest of its 2011 free-agent class, which includes cornerback Josh Wilson, safety Dawan Landry, fullback Le'Ron McClain, cornerback Chris Carr and offensive tackle Jared Gaither. Backup running back Willis McGahee also is expected to be released, and the Ravens will attempt to bring him back at a lower rate.
Things will get even more tricky in 2012 when players like Flacco and starting tailback Ray Rice will be looking to cash in. Flacco is not expected to play out the fifth year of his rookie deal and Rice, a 2008 second-round draft pick, is wrapping up his four-year contract. Those two deals alone will take up much of Baltimore's resources next offseason.
The Ravens should once again be a contender next season. But with such a talented roster, it will be difficult to financially keep this entire group together for multiple years. Aging leaders such as linebacker Ray Lewis (35) and safety Ed Reed (32) also will not be around forever, which is why Baltimore needs to take advantage of this window and try to make another Super Bowl run.
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