Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff on Matt Ryan Contract: 'I Think We're Close'

The Atlanta Falcons may be nearing a deal to lock up their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. 

Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff went on 680 The Fan and revealed the two sides are not far from a pact, per Falcons digital managing editor Matt Tabeek: "I think we're close." He also noted "it's not a complicated process."

Ryan is entering the final year of his contract and is scheduled to make $19.25 million in 2018, per Spotrac. Dimitroff has previously said completing a long-term deal with 2008's No. 3 overall pick is the team's top offseason priority.

The 32-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down. Last year, he topped the 4,000-yard plateau for the seventh straight season. He completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 4,095 yards and 20 touchdowns while leading his team to a second consecutive postseason berth.

Ryan is one year removed from an MVP season that saw him take the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance, a game in which they led the New England Patriots 28-3 in the second half but eventually lost.

If and when a deal gets done, it will keep Ryan among the NFL's highest-paid players. Free agency helped set the market, with Kirk Cousins' fully guaranteed deal something that could impact negotiations.

An extension reportedly remains the top priority in Atlanta, and now that the market has played out, a deal may get done soon.