Ravens G.M. Ozzie Newsome has said that the team will use the franchise tag on quarterback Joe Flacco, or on no one.
Now that a deal has been struck with Flacco, Newsome’s theory has a chance to be tested.
Between now and Monday at 4:00 p.m. ET, the Ravens can use the franchise tag on one of their other free agents, including linebacker Paul Kruger, linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, and safety Ed Reed.
Depending on Flacco’s cap number for 2013, the deal could free up much more space than would have been consumed by the franchise tag.