Joe Flacco Deserves To Be Highest-Paid Player in NFL History

Now, since Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco will get paid, will he finally gain some respect?

The report on Flacco’s signing was released by FOX Sports. However, according to ESPN, Flacco and the Ravens agreed to six-year, $120 million deal Friday.  Let the debate begin: does Joe Cool deserve the great deal he has, reportedly, agreed to?

Absolutely!

Flacco is the only quarterback in NFL history to have won a playoff game in each of his first five professional seasons. The 28-year old quarterback from the University of Delaware capped last season with 11 touchdowns without an interception in the postseason (tied a NFL record), and lifted the Vince Lombardi after the Ravens’ Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Flacco played out his rookie deal last season, which he earned $6.76 million.

The Ravens’ starting field general had to win over the organization, first. Initially, the Ravens’ organization felt, last season, Flacco was not worth $20 million per season—similar to what quarterback Drew Brees received from the New Orleans Saints last offseason.

Photo Via http://ocnnreport.com

Flacco gained confidence each year. And despite countless criticism from the national and local media based off his questionable performance of not meeting perceived expectations, he completely earned the organization’s confidence after he led the franchise to its second championship victory in 17 years of the team’s existence.

Unfortunately, many folks in the national media; and some in the Baltimore’s local media will probably question Flacco’s signing.  Many Ravens’ fans have been hard on Flacco since day one, but after the Super Bowl MVP put Baltimore on the centerstage of the world, he finally became their guy (hopefully).

Joe is not the flashiest signal caller in the NFL with moves like Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers or Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins or connect on nearly every deep ball to his receivers in stride like Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers and Tom Brady of the New England Patriots.

But Flacco’s toughness can never be questioned and he gets the job done in the clutch, especially in the postseason unlike Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers, Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons, and yes, Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos, each of whom are merely great regular season quarterbacks.

In 80 career games, Flacco has thrown 102 touchdowns passes, won two AFC North titles and appeared in three AFC Championship title games.

Flacco stated he wanted to be a Raven for life, and it appears he will be.

More details of Flacco’s sign will be released soon. Reportedly, he will inked the deal Monday.

Follow Barry Barnes, founder of LockerReport.com and NFL Insider for Gridiron Grit on Twitter and ‘like’ Gridiron Grit on Facebook to keep up with the latest coverage on college football, the NFL and more!