Falcons Set To Talk Contract Extension With Matt Ryan

Quarterback contracts get more and more expensive as time goes on. The Falcons know that, and that's why they're looking to talk about a contract extension with Matt Ryan right now.

There's no particular urgency to get this done at the moment, because Ryan's under contract until 2014. In terms of rewarding your franchise quarterback, possibly freeing up a tiny bit of cap space this season and ensuring you get a contract done before salaries balloon further, though, it makes a lot of sense.

And let's be clear: The Falcons want Ryan, and you should want them to want him. He's been among at least the Top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL and arguably among the Top 5 since he broke into the NFL, depending on what metric you're looking at. He's a team leader, a quality player and should only continue to improve with a better supporting cast surrounding him. Short of getting a fully healthy Peyton Manning who just stepped out of a time machine from 2004, there are very few guys I'd rather have, and none of those guys are available.

A six-year extension from today would carry Ryan into his age 33 season, which means the Falcons would get the entire prime of his career and would be able to make a decision on his twilight years while he was still in his early 30's. It would be a nice deal, and it would likely save them from the sort of inflation in contracts that's inevitable in the years ahead.

I hope they get this done soon. Do you?