Falcons sign Ryan to six-year deal

By Neal Coolong  |   Wednesday, May 21, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

Atlanta Falcons
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The Falcons signed QB Matt Ryan, the third overall pick of the 2008 draft, to a six-year deal worth $72 million Tuesday. The contract includes over $34 million in guarantees, according to The Associated Press.

Commentary: Ryan's contract is a milestone in the new era of Falcons football. After former No. 1 overall draft pick Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in jail for his part in an illegal dogfighting operation, the Falcons chose Ryan to lead their offense under new coach Mike Smith. Ryan is getting close to $5 million more in guaranteed money than Dolphins T Jake Long, who was the first selection of this year's draft.

Fantasy Impact: Ryan is certainly getting paid as a starter, but he worked behind veterans Joey Harrington and Chris Redman in minicamps earlier this spring. By signing early, Ryan boosts his chance of getting on the field, and from a fantasy perspective, it's not as if he can miss much more than Redman, Harrington and former Falcon Byron Leftwich did last season. He's not worth a pick in your draft, but he will likely get a few starts for the Falcons this season.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one...
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