Jake Matthews, Falcons Reportedly Finalizing 5-Year, $75 Million Contract

The Atlanta Falcons and offensive tackle Jake Matthews are reportedly finalizing a five-year, $75 million contract extension ahead of the 2018 season.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported the update Friday.

Matthews has been a stalwart member of the Falcons offensive line since the franchise selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2014 draft.

The 26-year-old Texas A&M product has appeared in 63 of a possible 64 regular-season games. He ranks seventh among tackles in approximate value during that four-year span, according to Pro Football Reference.

He was Pro Football Focus' 14th-rated tackle during the 2017 season.

Last August, Matthews said he wasn't going to let his contract status impact his play.

"I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well," he told reporters. "I'm not going to change anything. I come out here and try to work hard and get better every day. It's not like, 'Oh, now it's time, with a fifth-year option and a new contract to come.' I'm going to go out there and play the best I can every time. It doesn't matter."

His play in 2017 warranted a new deal, and now he's locked in with the Falcons for the long haul.

Matthews will continue to protect the blind side for quarterback Matt Ryan as the team's starting left tackle for the foreseeable future.