The Atlanta Falcons have announced a five-year, $150 million extension with franchise quarterback Matt Ryan, which will make him the first QB in NFL history to earn $30 million per year. Additionally, the deal includes $100 million guaranteed.
Ryan, who turns 33 on May 17, owns 20 franchise records and has thrown for more than 4,000 yards in each of the past seven seasons, according to ESPN. The third overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Boston College boasts a regular season record of 95-63 as well as two NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl appearance. He has not missed a start since December 2009.
Last season, Ryan threw for 4,095 yards with 20 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, while leading the Falcons to a 10-6 record.
Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, who is set to make $28M annually, briefly held the record for the richest contract in the NFL, followed by the 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo ($27.5M) and Detroit's Matthew Stafford ($27M), according to ESPN.
It is expected that Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will soon join Rodgers in the $30M+ per year club, and will likely eclipse Ryan's record-breaking deal. NFL.com reported this morning that the Packers were waiting to see what Ryan's new deal with the Falcons looked like before agreeing to terms on a new deal. Rodgers is under contract for the next two seasons for $20-21 million per year, but general manager Brian Gutekunst said Thursday on NBC Sports that he believes a new contract will get done "soon."