Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is the latest QB to sign a big contract extension. The Falcons and Ryan came to an agreement Thursday on a five year, $103.75 million extension according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, citing a source.
The source said Ryan will make $63 million in the first three years. The contract includes $59 in guaranteed money.
Ryan, 28, is coming off another spectacular season behind center. He threw for 4,719 yards, 32 touchdowns and had a passer rating of 99.1.
He has also been solid throughout his career with a 90.9 passer rating, 18,957 passing yards and 127 touchdowns.
Ryan will join Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco and Matthew Stafford—franchise quarterbacks who also made good money this offseason.
Ryan would have been heading into the final year of his rookie contract, according to ESPN.com. However, the Falcons were working tirelessly to sign him to something more long term.
The Falcons believe Ryan is there future. He has taken them to the NFC Championship and led them to five consecutive winning seasons—the Falcons had previously never had back-to-back winning seasons.
Ryan has only been in the league for five years
In addition to his stats, Ryan also receives great respect and praise from his teammates and coaches, according to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.
“He always had control over the huddle and the play when he’s out there, but he’s doing it even more now,” wide receiver Harry Douglas told AJC. “He’s letting the coach know what he thinks and what he sees. That’s what you see the guys like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton (Manning) and Aaron Rodgers do and they have become successful. I think Matt Ryan is on his way.”
“I think the arrow is still going up,” Smith said. “Matt was very accurate throwing the ball. Last year, he led the league in completion percentage. To me, the (two) keys are the decision-making and accuracy. Matt is excellent in both of those areas.”
Ryan has even gotten some compliments from players on other teams.
“You can see him winning a Super Bowl eventually,” said Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark. “If you look at his regular season numbers, he has been phenomenal.”
As far as the Falcons are concerned, a Super Bowl win is exactly what they want from Matt Ryan.
