The Atlanta Falcons have agreed on a six-year contract with newly-drafted quarterback Matt Ryan worth $72 million.
Top picked quarterback agrees early on contract with Atlanta
The Atlanta Falcons have agreed on a six-year, $72 million contract with newly-drafted quarterback Matt Ryan.
The third overall choice at last month's NFL draft is guaranteed $34.75m from the deal, more than that given to overall first draft pick Jake Long.
Ryan is keen to challenge for a starting spot with the Falcons but the lack of agreement on his contract meant doubts were starting to arise over that prospect.
The Falcons handed out a whopping contract to young quarterback Michael Vick before he was jailed for dogfighting involvement, but team president Rich McKay says that Ryan is a different story.
"The circumstances are always different when it comes to a player, and in Matt's case the research that Thomas did and Coach Smith did, they were extremely comfortable in Matt and what Matt stood for and what he's going to be for the long term," said McKay.
"I don't think there was any hesitancy because of the experience we just had."
Challenge
Ryan has trained with Chris Redman and Joey Harrington at Atlanta's minicamp, and new coach Mike Smith would not be opposed to starting with a rookie triggerman.
"If he's the best player, whether he's a rookie quarterback or rookie offensive lineman or rookie linebacker, we want those guys to come in here and compete," Smith said this month. "We're going to put the best player out there on the field."
Ryan was third in the American college rankings as the Boston College star threw for a school-record 4,507 passing yards and was the first QB taken in the draft.
Last season the Oakland Raiders chose JaMarcus Russell as the number one pick, but he missed training camp and only started the final game of the season after a hefty delay and stand-off in his contract negotiations.
Team owner Arthur Blank was keen for the Falcons to avoid a similar situation this year and wanted the deal for Ryan done as quickly as possible.
"We don't want to go through a situation like they went through last year in Oakland," said Blank, who praised Ryan's ambition to get the deal signed.
Desire
"It's highly unusual to get a first-round pick this high in the first round signed in the month of May, and it's indicative of the kind of person he is.
"We're anxious that he be part of the team and show that kind of leadership. This young man wants to come in and compete."
Ryan himself is prepared to challenge for a starting spot with the Falcons next season, and is happy to be now focused on football after signing his contract.
"I think that's certainly the goal, to prepare to play, to do everything you can to be on the field and play," Ryan said.
"That's what I'm going to do. I think I did well picking things up in minicamp. I know there's still a lot to learn. I think I've done pretty well so far.
"I knew everyone had made the commitment and wanted to get it done.
"I'm just excited and happy. I'm proud of the fact I'm an Atlanta Falcon."
