Matt Ryan has two years remaining on his contract, but Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff made clear the team plans to have discussions about an extension to keep the star quarterback well beyond 2018.
"I think those are things we're going to continue to talk about in the offseason," Dimitroff told ESPN on Wednesday. "Obviously, Matt has done an excellent job. We want him to be here for many, many, many years. It will be on our radar sometime in the near future."
The 31-year-old Ryan, who was the third overall pick in the 2008 draft, put together his best season in 2016, finishing with franchise records in passing yards (4,944) touchdowns (38), passer rating (117.1), completion percentage (69.9), and 25-plus yard passes (42). He led the Falcons to an 11-5 regular season and has them within one win of the their first Super Bowl title.
Although awarding extensions for a player with two years left on the deal is not the norm, exploring an extension for Ryan now makes sense for the Falcons on a number of fronts.
Working out an extension could make for a friendlier salary-cap situation in the coming years, with Ryan's cap figures being $23,750,000 and $21,650,000 over the next two seasons. The Falcons also likely will not want to go into their new, $1.5 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium with Ryan having lingering contract issues.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank has shown the willingness to spend to keep his top players in the fold. The Falcons awarded extensions to cornerback Robert Alford and right tackle Ryan Schraeder during the season.
Dimitroff was asked if Ryan should be the highest-paid quarterback and player in the league with his next deal.
"I don't want to get into negotiating in the media," Dimitroff said. "We'll talk to them about that -- Matt and his agent (Tom Condon). We have a great relationship. So I'm sure we'll discuss those matters.
"You know where it's going. And most people do know where it's going. He's had a heck of a year and he's had a heck of a career."
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck secured $87 million guaranteed in a five-year extension signed in June at an average of $24,594,000 per season. The deal made Luck the highest-paid player in NFL history, in terms of guaranteed salary.
Ryan got $59 million guaranteed in the five-year, $103.75 million deal he signed in July 2013, averaging $20,750,000 per season.