The guy who lost to Flacco?

While the Super Bowl MVP and newly crowned elite Quarterback, Joe Flacco, still awaits a new contract with the Baltimore Ravens, the Patriots aren't messing around. Sources are stating that this week perennial Pro Bowler Tom Brady is signing a three-year contract extension with the New England Patriots. This contract will lock Brady in through the 2017 season.

While the idea of $27 million per year being a pay cut makes the average individual furious, this is the reality for Tom Brady. With his new contract, Brady is actually taking a “hypothetical,” decrease in salary for the extra three years on his contract. Brady could leverage to make a lot more money if he would let his contract expire and flirt with other suitors during free agency in the future. With the notion of wanting to win and end his career in New England being the case though, Brady decided to take less money in hopes of surrounding himself with better pieces in his quest for a fourth Super Bowl ring.

With Brady making a positive financial choice for his team, the question is, should Joe Flacco take a lesson from the veteran great? Flacco is apparently asking for contract in the range of $18-$20 million per year. Though most analysts will say he is well worth the money, an asking price of that much will definitely put pressure on the cap space available to the Baltimore Ravens. Flacco is in a position where he could ask for less, allowing for the Ravens to keep surrounding him with quality players. Though this is seemingly the more sensible choice, athletes aren't always known for such reasoning. Better play typically equals more dollar signs to the business minded player.

Flacco hasn't been quiet about his hope for a big contract, as well as wanting to be treated like an elite quarterback, in the recent past. Asking him to take less money, regardless of the positive implications, may see the Ravens in search of a new field general.

Photo courtesy of Bleacher Report