Falcons news: Matt Ryan's contract structure holds long-term implications

The Atlanta Falcons are restructuring Matt Ryan's contract and it has long-term implications for the franchise with questions regarding the position.

The Atlanta Falcons are apparently putting to rest the idea they will draft Matt Ryan's successor this April. Well, sort of.

Atlanta reportedly agreed to restructure Ryan's contract, per Zach Klein of WSB-TV 6. Ryan's $23 million was converted to a bonus that will now be spread out over the next three years.

Per NFL League source the Falcons have restructured Matt Ryan's contract..
Was due $23 million… took 21-million and made it guaranteed bonus that spreads out over the next 3-years-

Cap # is now 26.9 million – It was $40.9 million pic.twitter.com/u4NS4XwABY

— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) March 16, 2021

So, what does that mean, exactly? Well, according to Tori McElhaney of The Athletic, it means Ryan's future is pretty secure in Atlanta.

That likely suggests the Falcons will not be taking a quarterback with the No. 4 overall selection next month.

What does Matt Ryan's restructure mean? That the Falcons are under the cap. Oh, and that he's probably sticking around for another couple years now. That money is pretty spread out now.

— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) March 16, 2021

This is a clear showing of faith from the Falcons front office.

Ryan is still capable of playing at a high level. He led the NFL in completions and pass attempts last season, throwing for nearly 4,600 yards and 26 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

But the former league MVP will be 36 in May and has gotten battered in recent years as a result of playing behind a somewhat inexperienced and ineffective offensive line. The absence of a running game has not helped in that regard, either.

Regardless, this basically puts to rest all speculation the Falcons would entertain trading Ryan or Julio Jones. It also makes for an interesting set of scenarios for the NFL draft next month.

Atlanta could stay put and take an elite offensive lineman like Penei Sewell out of Oregon. Alternatively, the Falcons could look to trade back in order to nab a cornerback and accrue added draft capital.

The Falcons still figure to take a quarterback at some point in the draft. But Ryan's restructured deal all but entrenches him as the team's starter in the coming seasons.