The focus for the Ravens right now is clearly on Super Bowl XLVII.
But after Sunday's game, the Ravens will shift into offseason mode, and at the top of the priority list will be working out a contract with unrestricted free agent Joe Flacco.
Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome didn't get into the specifics about negotiations, but he expressed confidence that the two sides would work out a deal.
"We'll be able to get that thing done," Newsome said during Super Bowl Media Day. "But one thing we do know, he'll be playing football for us next year. And sometimes that's all you can look forward to is just next year."
Flacco and the Ravens tried to work out a contract prior to this season, but they couldn't agree on the terms and eventually opted to put the talks on hold until after the season.
The organization could potentially apply the one-year franchise tag to Flacco, which would buy the two sides some extra time to work out a deal. That's what they did last year with running back Ray Rice.
"I can say this: Joe and I are in a good spot," Newsome said. "I did Jonathan Ogden's contract. I did Ray Lewis' contract. I did [Haloti] Ngata's contract. I did [Terrell] Suggs', I did Ray Rice's a year ago."
Another looming free agent is future Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed, who has spent his 11-year career with the Ravens. Reed said he plans to continue playing football next year, and Newsome plans to talk with him about a contract after the Super Bowl.
"I'm going to sit down and talk with Ed once it's all said and done," Newsome said. "I know he's totally focused on winning this game in his hometown, and then once the air clears, Ed and I have gotten to a point where he and I can really talk man-to-man, and I think we'll be able to have that conversation a week or two from now."
Last week, Newsome also expressed interest in keeping Reed in the organization in a coaching or player development role once his career is over. Reed said he wants to remain with the Ravens, but stressed that he's not worried about the offseason right now.
"I'm not thinking about that right now, man. Once we cross that bridge, we'll figure it out," he said. "I know the organization wants me to be around and I definitely want to be around."
