A long rumored extension between Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons finally came down on Thursday as the quarterback and the club agreed to sign on for 5 more years at reportedly worth $103.75 Million. Depending on the breakdown, the deal will challenge new contracts signed by Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco this off-season, to make Ryan one of the highest paid players in the NFL. $59 million of the deal is said to be guaranteed.
The 28-year old Ryan is entering his sixth NFL season. 2014 is the final year under his rookie contract and he is scheduled to make $10 million this season. The new contract covers the 2014 through 2018 NFL seasons.
“I’ve always not worried about the business side of it,” Ryan said at a press conference Thursday evening. “I’ve always thought as a player if you’re worrying about those sorts of things, you’re taking away from what you’re here for.
Ryan, was drafted by the Falcons with the No. 3 overall draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. He went to his second Pro Bowl last season. He completed 68.6 per cent of his passes, tops in the NFL, and threw for 4,719 yards and 32 touchdowns against just 14 interceptions and a 99.0 QB Rating.
For his career, Ryan has completed 62.7% of his passes for 18,957 yards, 127 touchdowns, 60 interceptions and a 90.7 QB Rating.
“I’d say right now that we’re real glad that we didn’t (draft a) defensive tackle with the third pick in 2008.” general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “Matt provides us with all the leadership traits that we seek on the field and off the field as well.”
Coach Mike Smith added to that assessment. “Matt has done some wonderful things as a football player since he got here in 2008. He’s a big reason for the success we’ve had. He’s made me a better football coach, and I look forward to working with him for a long, long time. I say it all the time — you win in the locker room first, and Matt has done a great job for us over the last five years.”
The Falcons are looking to build on a season that saw them go 13-3 last year, only to lose in the NFC title game, at home, to the San Francisco 49ers.
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