Ravens gain from subtraction of Flacco

Answering most important questions stemming from quarterback’s pending trade

Because of NFL scheduling rotations, the Ravens might not see Joe Flacco again for over two years. The Ravens won’t face the Denver Broncos, where Flacco’s reportedly set to be traded next month, in the regular season this year. It’s not known whether the two teams will meet next year, either. Only a 2021 date is certain.

But in parting ways with their longtime starting quarterback, an 11-year veteran and former Super Bowl Most Valuable Player, the Ravens will see that a Flacco-less life has its benefits. Without his onerous contract, handed off to Denver in exchange for a draft pick, the Ravens’ front office has given first-year general manager Eric DeCosta coveted financial flexibility ahead of an intriguing offseason.

Even well before rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson helped lead the Ravens to an AFC North title and their first playoff appearance since 2014, it was a foregone conclusion that Flacco had played for the last time in Baltimore. But his departure was important for more than just symbolic reasons.

As with most things in life, it’s important to follow the money to see why.