Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan extension priority No. 1
By Randy Gurzi
After their season ended in the second round of the playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons are in offseason mode. First order of business according to general manager Thomas Dimitroff is a Matt Ryan extension.
After a trip to the Super Bowl a season ago, the Atlanta Falcons hoped for big things in 2017. They were able to win double digit games and got a road playoff victory, but it was still short of the goal they had for themselves.
While they certainly shouldn’t be ashamed — they did finish better than all but four teams after all — the Dirty Birds know there’s work to be done to get back into the big gam in the future. According to general manager Thomas Dimitroff, the most important thing they need to do in that endeavor is to lock up quarterback Matt Ryan.
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The 2016 NFL MVP is entering the last year of his five-year contract which was worth $103.75 million. Dimitroff says keeping him in town is priority No. 1.
"“That’s one that interestingly enough will help create flexibility and what we’re doing moving forward with a number of moves we may be making,” Dimitroff said during his season-ending press conference. “Yes, Matt’s focus will be the No. 1 focus.”"
Dimitroff went on to say that the soon-to-be 33-year old quarterback should have plenty of time left in his career as he takes great care of his body and does all he can to stay healthy. After 10 seasons with the Falcons, Ryan has missed just two games, both way back in 2009.
He’s also been able to keep the team incredibly competitive with an overall record of 95-63 as a starter and just two losing seasons have ever come under his watch.
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Don’t be surprised if Ryan ends up with another contract in the same range as his last. A second $100 million deal has been earned for sure, and the Falcons know they’re getting someone who will do al he can to get them back into the championship discussion.