It didn't take long for Joe Flacco's contract to bite the Baltimore Ravens in the behind, as Anquan Boldin is reportedly being asked to take a $2 million pay cut or risk being released.

According to the Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson, it doesn't sound like Boldin is thrilled with that proposition:

The Ravens asked veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin to accept a $2 million paycut of his $6 million base salary, according to league sources with knowledge of the situation...One source stated early Saturday morning, "Unless something dramatic happens, it's an absolute done deal that Anquan will be released."

This reported demand on Boldin is absolutely ridiculous. The fact that the Ravens are reportedly asking Boldin to essentially take a pay cut of one-third his base salary for the 2013 season is not only hypocritical, but it's also downright disrespectful. 

Flacco made his money in the postseason, by all accounts. He was mediocre, at best, during the regular season, completing just 59.7 percent of his passes for 3,817 yards with just 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, leading to a passer rating of 87.7.

Then Flacco exploded during the playoffs and Super Bowl XLVII, passing for 1,140 yards with 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions in four games and leading Baltimore to its second Lombardi Trophy.

Hence the massive, record-breaking six-year deal worth $120.6 million.

What would Flacco have done without Boldin in the playoffs, though?

There's the rub. 

Boldin was by far Flacco's deadliest weapon during the team's postseason run, catching 22 catches (many of which were of the highest degree of difficulty) for 380 yards and four touchdowns.

Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones combined to reel in 16 receptions for 380 yards and four touchdowns, while Dennis Pitta caught 14 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns.

It could be argued that Boldin deserved part of Flacco's massive contract, since he, above all others, contributed the most toward Flacco's stupendous postseason run.

But that's not what Baltimore has in mind. 

For what it's worth, Flacco stands behind his receiver on this issue, according to USA Today's Robert Klemko, who recently spoke to the quarterback:

"Without him, we don't win the Super Bowl. He's a huge part of this team and someone I want to see back," Flacco told USA TODAY Sports. "Obviously, when you're a player of his caliber, you believe you're worth a number and that's what you should get. He's going to stick to his guns, and that's the way it should be."

It will be interesting to see how this standoff between Boldin and Baltimore plays out. 

He was absolutely critical to the team's success in the playoffs, and if he's not on the roster in 2013, it's hard to imagine whom the Ravens expect to step up in his stead. 

Flacco understands how invaluable Boldin is to his own success, but it remains to be seen whether Baltimore's front office is of the same mind. 

For now, this whole situation stinks, as Boldin should have never been given this reported ultimatum. He shouldn't have to take a pay cut, and he's right to stand up for his contract at this time. 

 

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78