Matt Ryan Contract: Atlanta Falcons’ Quarterback Ranks Among NFL’s Highest-Paid Players

Even if the Atlanta Falcons don’t defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI, Matt Ryan might be rewarded in the offseason. The quarterback could sign a new deal making him the NFL’s highest-paid player.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Ryan and the organization are expected to explore a new contract. The new deal might approach the one signed by Andrew Luck in the summer, which is worth $140 million over six years.

Ryan, 31, hasn’t been considered among the league’s elite quarterbacks until this season, but he’s been paid like one for some time. In the summer of 2013, Ryan signed a five-year extension worth more than $103 million. He was guaranteed $59 million, and his average yearly salary of $20.75 million was second to only Aaron Rodgers at the time.

Other quarterbacks have since surpassed both Ryan and Rodgers, but only eight players began the 2016 season with a higher yearly salary than the Falcons’ quarterback. That includes four quarterbacks that didn’t make the playoffs. Tom Brady is 10th in the NFL with an average yearly salary of $20.5 million.

With just two years left on his contract, the Falcons could lock Ryan into a deal that keeps him with the team well into his 30s. After leading the league with a 117.1 passer rating, Ryan is the leading candidate to win the 2016 MVP award.

Prior to signing his contract extension four years ago, Ryan had led the Falcons to the playoffs in four of five seasons. Atlanta won the NFC South this season after a three-year postseason drought.

Ryan has a base salary of $15.75 million next year and a $19.25 million base salary in the final year of his current deal. He’s made more than $133 million since being drafted in 2008.