There have been some major changes to the Baltimore Ravens’ lineup this month. They have been switching things up, and I’m not exactly sure how I feel about that. It’s weird writing a column about football in the springtime, but since the big changes have been recent and I am a Ravens fan, I needed to talk about it now before I graduate.
First, Joe Flacco’s new contract. He signed a $120.6 million six-year contract with $52 million guaranteed. He is now the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL. Is he a good quarterback? Yes. Is he worth that much money? Maybe not so much. I’m not hating on Flacco by any means. I am a Ravens fan, and therefore I am a Flacco fan. Can I question the Ravens’ actions? Absolutely. I’m not quite sure what they were thinking, but hopefully they know something that I don’t.
He’s progressed in leaps and bounds since he started his NFL career four years ago. He is also the only quarterback to make it to the playoffs for the first five years of his NFL season. Maybe the Ravens are giving him that much money because they see him progressing even more with more wins and a few more championships titles in the near future. Flacco has the potential to be a top-tier quarterback, but I don’t think he’s there quite yet. I am happy for him and jealous of him. Never in my lifetime will I see that much money, so here’s to hoping he keeps up the good work.
Second, Anquan Boldin has been traded to the San Francisco 49ers (funny, ’cause he just beat them in the Super Bowl). Boldin was quoted by ESPN that he wasn’t getting the salary he thought he was worth. He wasn’t going to stay with a team that was going to give him a pay cut after his performance in the championship game. He was a great wide receiver and worked well with the team and looked good in purple. I don’t blame him for leaving, but we are taking a huge blow.
Third, linebacker Paul Kruger went to the Browns. With Ray Lewis retired and Kruger gone, the Ravens have to build up some new key defenders. Ravens are one of the most profound defensive teams in the league — well, they used to be. They are going to have some major defensive recruiting coming their way. I don’t envy the person who has to find Lewis’ or Kruger’s replacements. Good luck with that.
Boldin and Kruger are gone. Not coming back. They were huge assets to the team, and now the Ravens have to build up again. They are looking at some guys to accompany their franchise quarterback now.
As a Ravens fan, I’m slightly concerned. But I have faith that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. They have made questionable business calls before, and things have still turned out OK. I have faith that all will be well.
I’m always going to be a Ravens fan. I’m not a bandwagoner or the opposite who ditches them when times get tough. I’m going to stick with them through thick and thin. Right now, we are treading lightly on thin ice. Hopefully the new and large salary won’t break that ice.
