LISTEN: Should Falcons Give QB Matt Ryan a Contract Extension?

Locked On Falcons: Why the Falcons Shouldn't Extend Matt Ryan This Offseason

Jeremy Brener | Dec 16, 2021

Since 2008, Matt Ryan has been the face of the Atlanta Falcons.

But that could change this offseason as Ryan is due for a massive raise. According to Spotrac, Ryan is expected to make $16.25 million as his base salary in 2022.

If the Falcons wish to move on from Ryan, they will need to have a replacement that's worth developing through the draft, like Liberty's Malik Willis or North Carolina's Sam Howell, or they will have to go after a veteran.

And of course, there are major financial ramifications no matter which way Atlanta goes.

There are a number of quarterbacks who could be on the move this offseason, like Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers or Seattle's Russell Wilson, and the Falcons might want to take the risk and bring one of those upgrades to replace Ryan. ... but while such a setup might seem dreamy, there are huge financial blockades there as well.

It can be argued that Ryan is not the same as he was five years ago when he was the MVP, and that he ranks in the middle of the pack compared to other NFL starting quarterbacks. So, if you want to move on from Ryan, be sure the successor has more value and direction.

On this episode of "Locked On Falcons," host Aaron Freeman reviews the All-22 film from the Falcons' Week 14 win over the Panthers and discusses the play and Ryan's future at quarterback.

First, he answers a listener question about the potential end game for Ryan in Atlanta and discusses the team's draft options in 2022 and 2023 to find an heir apparent.

Then he dives into the film from Sunday's win over the Panthers, looking at Ryan's questionable decision-making and the receivers letting him down.

Then he discusses Jaylinn Hawkins' performance against Carolina, and whether he's poised to fill the shoes of injured starter Erik Harris, or whether he should have a different role in the defense.

Aaron deals with all that and more on this episode of "Locked On Falcons." For more podcasts and information, join us here.

Published Dec 16, 2021

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.