A look at AFC North QB contracts

Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco got a five-year contract worth up to $30 million last week to sign with the Baltimore Ravens. But if Flacco wins the job, he would still be at the bottom of AFC North starting quarterbacks in terms of average annual money.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Carson Palmer of the Cincinnati Bengals are both $100 million-plus quarterbacks that far exceed Flacco's deal. And Cleveland Browns starter Derek Anderson just signed a three-year, $24 million contract, which has less total value but more guaranteed money and a higher average worth per season.

Flacco likely will not make the full $30 million unless he wins Baltimore's starting job outright and becomes an instant star to hit all of his incentives. If Flacco has to sit a year or two, he still has $8.75 million of the deal guaranteed.


Contracts for AFC North starting quarterbacks
Player Team Length (yr.) Year signed Salary

Ben Roethlisberger Steelers 8 2008 $102 million
Carson Palmer Bengals 9 2005 $118.75 million
Joe Flacco* Ravens 5 2008 $30 million
Derek Anderson Browns 3 2008 $24 million