Matt Ryan inks historic five-year contract extension with Falcons

Heading into the NFL offseason, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Atlanta Falcons concerned the long-term future of star quarterback Matt Ryan as he was heading into the final year of his deal. There has been continued talk between both sides around getting a new extension worked out this offseason.

According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN, the Falcons have agreed to terms on a five-year, $150 million extension with Ryan to keep him under contract through the 2023 season.

Quarterback Matt Ryan has agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons, and sources tell ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that the deal will make Ryan the first NFL player to earn $30 million per year.

The deal includes $100 million guaranteed, sources said.

This new contract makes him the highest-paid player in the league topping the previous high set by Kirk Cousins’ fully guaranteed $82.5 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings that will pay him $28 million per year. It now keeps stability under center for the long haul to keep the window open to compete for a Super Bowl.

During his decade-long tenure with the Falcons, he has helped lead the team to six playoff appearances with three NFC South division titles along with finishing with double-digit wins six times. Ryan has also achieved a significant amount of individual success that has seen him earn four Pro Bowl selections, a First-Team All-Pro nod, an NFL MVP award, and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

This new contract for Ryan could set the table for some of the other top talents at the position to receive lucrative long-term deals that could be worth more along with holding more guaranteed money. Next on the list for that looks to be Green Packers’ Aaron Rodgers, who has two years left on his deal and has been in constant dialogue for a new contract.