Ravens pondering which way to tag Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco - QB - Baltimore Ravens
Feb. 7, 2013 - 8:30 PM ET
According to the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens are "debating between" using the exclusive-rights franchise tag or non-exclusive tag on free agent Joe Flacco.
The "exclusive" tag is rarely used, but it's what the Saints slapped on Drew Brees last year. Players are allowed to negotiate with other teams under the non-exclusive tag, but the tagging team can match any offer, and receives two first-round picks as compensation if it decides to pass. Exclusively tagged players can only negotiate with the tagging team. Flacco would earn an eye-popping $20.5 million under the exclusive tag, compared to "only" $14.6 million under the non-exclusive tag. Considering the number of quarterback-needy teams around the league, we'd expect Baltimore to play it safe and use the exclusive tag. TheSidelineView.com's Adam Caplan believes other teams would pursue Flacco if the Ravens applied the non-exclusive franchise tag.
Source: Baltimore Sun
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