Latest On Falcons, Matt Ryan

Over the weekend, Falcons owner Arthur Blank made it clear that he is going to work on extending Matt Ryan as soon as he can this offseason. Blank knows what it might take to re-up Ryan, and that includes make him the highest-paid quarterback, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears. Matt Ryan

Currently, the highest-paid QB in the NFL is Andrew Luck thanks to his five-year, ~$123MM extension signed with the Colts on June 29, 2016. But, after an incredible 2016 season, the Falcons are already thinking about setting a new watermark with Ryan. Ryan’s current contract takes him through the 2018 season, but Blank apparently does not want to get near that date before discussing a deal.

“When Matt was being interviewed this week, somebody asked him, ‘What do you think about Tom Brady, his age, being 39 and will be 40 in August?’ and Matt said, ‘I’d like to play as long as Tom,’ ” Blank said recently. “That’s when I jumped up off the sofa and starting clicking my heels. We have a lot of young talent on both sides of the ball. But to have our quarterback in place for an extended period of time will be incredible news for Atlanta. Matt is in great shape and takes wonderful care of himself. So, I’m excited.”

Ryan finished the year as Pro Football Focus’ No. 2 quarterback in the NFL, second only to tonight’s opposing QB (Brady). Ryan has long been regarded as a solid starting quarterback, but this year he was undeniably in the top tier at his position.

As it stands, Ryan is scheduled to carry a $23.75MM cap charge in 2017 and a $21.65MM cap charge in 2018.

View Comments (19)