Atlanta Plans to Pick Up Fifth-Year Option on Jake Matthews

The Falcons won’t have to immediately address the left tackle’s contract status

Jake Matthews’ contract status has been lost in the shuffle a bit with the major offseason intrigue regarding the will-they-won’t-they extend Matt Ryan or Devonta Freeman first debate. Today, we’ve received some clarity, as general manager Thomas Dimitroff stated that the Falcons planned to exercise the fifth-year team option on Matthews’ rookie contract.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution‘s D. Orlando Ledbetter had the scoop:

Drafted with Atlanta’s sixth-overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Matthews has yet to reach his projected potential. A starter on the line since his rookie year, he’s been solid enough at left tackle that the team figures to factor him into their plans for at least two more seasons. Unfortunately, he’s struggled with some untimely ankle injuries through his career, but he has overall performed as a fair protector for Matt Ryan and good in motion in the fast-paced Shanahan (now Sarkisian) Falcons offense.

Hopefully, Matthews can build off of the elite play of Ryan Schraeder and Alex Mack to truly dominate like a top ten draft pick should. If he can elevate his game further, the Atlanta Falcons’ offense will only be more deadly in 2017, fully utilizing the deadly potential of the lightning fast wide receivers and the robust running backs.

Next: Atlanta Falcons 2017 Schedule Release

By exercising the team option in his rookie contract, the Falcons can table forthcoming negotiations with Matthews for a bit, and head into the season focused on locking up both Matt Ryan and Devonta Freeman.