Is Devonta Freeman or Matt Ryan the next man up for an extension?

With Desmond Trufant's extension, the Falcons have two priority contract extensions left to handle. The first is Matt Ryan, who is fresh off an MVP season. The second is Devonta Freeman, who is one of the best young backs in the NFL.

Previously, the Falcons had indicated that a Freeman extension was not a priority this offseason, but they'll likely be able to make the numbers work if Trufant and Ryan's pacts free up cap room in the here and now. Both should, for what it's worth.

While both will likely get paid, Freeman may be a summertime or in-season extension. Ryan is likely the more urgent immediate priority, because his extension could free up considerable space this year and next, given this contending team some much-needed wiggle room. Freeman will wind up weighing more against the cap, but even elite backs aren't getting big money, and it will be important to keep the band together on offense.

The Falcons will have some of their best players under contract for the next few years once Freeman and Ryan sign, with Julio Jones, Ryan Schraeder, Alex Mack, Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, and young players like Keanu Neal, Deion Jones, and Vic Beasley still with multiple years left on their rookie deals. Expect both to get done before next March.

If all goes well, the Falcons will be making tough decisions in the near future, but will have an #elite core intact for additional title runs. Please let things go well, Football Gods.