The 2015 NFL season is almost here. Baltimore Ravens fans watched their team come within just a few points of defeating the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional round.

It was a disappointing finish for the Ravens, but this franchise is always in the mix. The Ravens have qualified for the postseason six of the last seven seasons including a Super Bowl win in 2012 over the San Francisco 49ers. Ozzie Newsome is widely regarded as one of the best general managers in the league today, but this upcoming year could be "Super Bowl or bust" for his team.

Quarterback Joe Flacco is set to make $9.8 million this year, and his contract carries a $14.5 million cap hit. No harm, no foul. However, heading into next season is where the really big numbers kick in. In 2016, 2017 and 2018 Flacco's contract is set to count $28.5 million, $31.1 million and $24.7 million against the Ravens salary cap. After winning the Super Bowl, the Ravens backloaded Flacco's contract, and it's almost ready to kick in.

In other words, Flacco has $84.3 million in combined salary cap hits over the next three years. For some perspective, Flacco only had $35 million in total cap hits the last three years.

This upcoming season is paramount for the Ravens. They're always in contention in the AFC North against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, but the window may be closing for the Ravens. Flacco could restructure his contract and take a pay cut, but that isn't guaranteed at all.

Paying top dollar for a quarterback can result in ability to sign other players and fix holes. The New Orleans Saints are a perfect example of this.

There's no doubt Drew Brees is an elite quarterback, but his enormous salary has prohibited the Saints front office from making much needed much in free agency and offseason trades. The Saints have one of the worst defenses in the league, and they had to get rid of Jimmy Graham this offseason.

Could this be the Ravens' future?

Reports have already surfaced that the Ravens are trying to rework Flacco's contract. Flacco has been a solid quarterback for the Ravens since being drafted by them in 2008. He has never missed a single game for them, and he has never guided the Ravens to a losing record either. Flacco has also done a good job winning and succeeding without elite wide receivers. Last season Flacco threw 27 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions with a 91 passer rating.

However, the Ravens franchise has always thrived on defensive greatness first and foremost. Without Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and an aging Terrell Suggs, the Ravens have to improve their defense if they want to win another ring. The AFC is full of talented quarterbacks.

Flacco and the Ravens are one of the favorites to win the AFC this season, but they need a plan moving forward regarding Flacco's contract and building around him. It would be very beneficial for Flacco to accept less so he can have more help around him, but that remains to be seen.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1