"A little over 10 months ago, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti provided a timetable for negotiations with quarterback Joe Flacco on a long-term contract extension.

"I would anticipate an extension that starts in 2012," Bisciotti told The Baltimore Sun. "Our goal is to get it done for 2012 for sure."

The clock is officially ticking. The Ravens start the offseason with numerous questions to answer. They have 13 unrestricted free agents, including star running back Ray Rice and Pro Bowl left guard Ben Grubbs. They have gotten older in several key spots on both sides of the ball and their offensive line appears headed for another shake-up.

But as usual with the Ravens, much of the attention this offseason will almost certainly be on Flacco, 27, and the negotiations that could make him the franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future or force him to go into the final year of his rookie contract without a long-term commitment from the team."