The Falcons and Jake Matthews have agreed to terms on a three-year extension (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The new pact furnishes the left tackle with $52.5MM over the first three years with an average of $18.5MM per annum. 
[RELATED: Falcons Restructure Ryan’s Contract]
The deal makes sense for both sides. Matthews picks up additional dollars and security while the Falcons gain some much-needed cap space. It’s a big step up for Matthews, who previously played on a five-year, $75MM contract. At the time, that deal made Matthews one of the three highest paid left tackles in the league. Now that the market has advanced, Matthews had to be taken to the next tier.
Matthews has a perfect attendance record across eight NFL seasons, save for one missed game as a rookie. Last year, the Texas A&M product finished with a 71.4 overall grade, per the advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus. However, in years past, he’s placed as one of the top-ranked LTs in the league.
The Falcons also gained some breathing room last week by restructuring Matt Ryan‘s contract. With help from their longtime quarterback, Atlanta gained an extra $12MM in cap space for 2022.
I don’t get these extensions and signings, eventfully everyone of these signings becomes a cap problem and they have to either cut, trade, or restructure them. It makes more sense for the Falcons to just draft a new LT, or sign one on a cheaper deal. I’m calling it now, unsurpricly. This deal will not fully be competed and will be restructured, and he’ll eventfully be cut.
This is the way
It’s a stupid way, Falcons should go young and draft cheap, young players. Not resigning these vet’s when we all know, this deal is gonna become a burden.