The Washington Redskins discussed a potential trade for quarterback Joe Flacco with the Baltimore Ravens, but trade talks quickly fell apart, according to ESPN.
ESPN’s John Keim reported the Redskins’ salary cap situation was the reason the discussions ended. The Ravens proceeded to agree to trade Flacco to Denver Broncos instead.
According to Spotrac, Flacco carries a $18.5 million hit in 2019, which would make it nearly impossible for the cash-strapped Redskins to afford with injured quarterback Alex Smith carrying a $20.4 million hit.
Saw the report about the Skins and Flacco. @AdamSchefter had said on the day of the trade the sides had talked. However: the Skins capend situation caused those talks to quickly. Their cap issues would make any such move very difficult. Otherwise could see them legit in on a few https://t.co/Eg2ByFnfEL
— John Keim (@john_keim) February 17, 2019
Let’s try again: Skins cap situation caused talks to quickly end… https://t.co/Ly0Tgowi4s
— John Keim (@john_keim) February 17, 2019
The news comes on the heels of a Denver radio host reporting the Broncos-Ravens trade came together quickly because Washington was interested in Flacco.
But the Redskins would have had to clear out a substantial amount of cap space, or have Flacco agree to restructure his contract.
Over The Cap estimates Washington has nearly $18 million in cap space, and that wouldn’t be enough to afford Flacco. Teams can always cut players to free up room, but it’s unlikely the Redskins will pay top money to find a quarterback with Smith still under contract.
Opened the show with backstory on Flacco trade. As wrote for #Denver7, it came together quickly because another team interested. Washington was that team, per @dmac1043. https://t.co/Nn3eMVhjeh
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) February 15, 2019
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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