Report: Falcons plan to exercise Jake Matthews’ fifth-year team option

The Atlanta Falcons shuffled through a lot of bad tackles before drafting Jake Matthews sixth overall in the 2014 draft. He hasn’t quite been a Pro Bowl player, but he’s been an integral piece to Matt Ryan’s success. Things sure could have been worse.

The braintrust only needed three seasons to determine he’s worth keeping around. Per Thomas Dimitroff, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Matthews signed a four-year deal worth a fully guaranteed $16,434,500 back in 2014. His fifth season will be pretty expensive, but he should be a candidate for a contract extension if he remains healthy. He’s had a few injuries in his short career, but Matthews has rarely missed play time. Atlanta lacks depth behind their starting tackles, and the draft is expected to be light on talent at tackle.