The Atlanta Falcons announced this week that their team’s future will continue to center around Matt Ryan, as the quarterback signed a new five-year, $103.75 million contract with the team. After spending his first five seasons with team and starting right away, the team is ready to continue making playoff runs with the man out of Boston College.
Although the Falcons have not been able to reach the Super Bowl just yet with this current group, the team’s hope is that stability at the quarterback position will help with things. It is hard to argue with his production up to this point, which makes it an easy decision to extend him.
History shows that no quarterback has won more games in their first five seasons in the NFL than Ryan, and when considering fantasy football this season you can be assured that his success should continue. His .718 winning percentage is third all-time, only behind a couple of guys named Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
Not only is he a proven winner, but he has put together game-winning drives as well. Since his rookie season, he has had 22 come-from-behind victories when trailing in the fourth quarter or overtime. That has not really transferred over to the playoffs just yet, but he should get more opportunities in the coming years.
Ryan is constantly compared to Joe Flacco, and this latest contract will continue that trend. Both started right away in 2008 when they entered the league, and both play on playoff contenders. Flacco has the hardware in the postseason, but Ryan has the better regular season numbers. If Ryan can add to his legacy during the playoffs, he will easily be worth every penny of his new contract. The Atlanta Falcons are still searching for their first ever Super Bowl, and they now believe they have their quarterback that will lead them to it locked up.