Atlanta Falcons Looking to Extend Franchise QB Matt Ryan This Offseason

Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reports that the Atlanta Falcons are exploring an extension with Matt Ryan this offseason. There are quite a few reasons why this makes sense. The Falcons have one of the largest amounts of cap room in the NFL this year with over $30 million in cap available. Re-signing Ryan would be smart because it could free up cap room this year and next year for some re-signings and free agent signings.

It’s also the best time to re-sign him because his market value isn’t that of a $20 million a year player since he is coming off three straight playoff losses. This also makes sense because of the old team building adage of, "Once you find your franchise quarterback, never let him leave unless he does something either morally reprehensible or is so far past his prime that he is useless."

Matt Ryan currently counts $13.5 million against the 2012 cap and $11.5 million towards the 2013 cap. The Falcons could drastically lower the cap space if they sign Ryan to a deal similar to what Michael Vick signed in 2005 where Vick got an $11 million signing bonus and $22 million in a roster bonus that was converted to signing bonus.

The Falcons could free up around $10.5 million in cap this offseason if they re-sign Ryan to the right contract. In doing this, it would be safe to say that with over $40 million in cap room the Falcons could be major players for DE Mario Williams, and still be able to re-sign CB Brent Grimes, MLB Curtis Lofton, S Thomas Decoud, WR Harry Douglas and DE John Abraham.

This is the ideal time to re-sign Matt Ryan because of his three straight playoff losses. The Falcons know this and want to win a championship. They also understand the value of a true franchise quarterback and know that it’s hard to find one. Matt Ryan is one of those players that seems to be more about winning than his own personal gain though. He’s arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the league and once Atlanta gets their offensive line in order, there should be fireworks from the Falcons offense.

That being said, it’s hard to find a franchise quarterback and the oldest adage of team building is that the franchise QB is the most important player on the field. Matt Ryan is the best quarterback in Falcons history and is going to bring Atlanta the same kind of success that Peyton Manning has brought the Colts.