Ryan becomes highest- paid player in NFL
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan became the NFL’s highest- paid player by agreeing to a five- year contract extension that could be worth as much as $ 150 million.
Ryan is assured of receiving at least $ 100 million. That surpasses the total compensation of the $ 84 million, threeyear guaranteed deal that quarterback Kirk Cousins received from the Vikings.
If Ryan receives the full terms of the contract, he would receive an average of $ 30 million a year, also more than Cousin’s $ 28 million yearly payout.
Cousins’ stunning deal set the target for Ryan’s negotiations with the Falcons, though it might be a short stay at No. 1.
The Packers are trying to complete a new deal with their franchise quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, who will likely be looking to surpass Ryan’s figure.
That’s of no concern to the Falcons, who took care of their major offseason priority by locking up Ryan once his current deal expires after the 2018 season. He’ll make $ 19.25 million in the final year of that contract.
“This extension was our primary focus this offseason,” general manager Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement. “Matt has been a pillar of stability for this franchise for a decade, and it is a great feeling knowing that he will remain at our helm for five more years.”
Ryan was the third overall draft pick in 2008 and has been the Falcons’ starting quarterback ever since. He has only missed two starts over the first decade of his career, passing for 41,796 yards with 260 touchdowns while begin voted to the Pro Bowl four times.
No quarterback has passed for more yards in the first 10 seasons of his career.