Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan Signs Five-Year, $103 Million Contract Extension

Former Boston College and starting Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has agreed to a five-year contract extension, making him one of the NFL's top paid players. Ryan's new contract guarantees $59 million, and can be worth up to $103.75 million, a $20.75 million average annual salary, according to a report by ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

The Falcoholic's Dave Choate reacts to the news of the Falcons locking up their franchise QB:

There are some who are going to question the length (only five years?) or the money ($59 million guaranteed? THAT'S PEYTON MONEY), but this is about what we should have expected. It provides more guaranteed money than Joe Flacco got, it's relatively frontloaded and it makes Ryan one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Given that he had roughly top five production in 2012, it's a hefty but quite sensible contract.

Ryan is coming off his best season as a starting NFL QB, setting single-season franchise records for passing yards (4,719), pass attempts (615), completions (422), touchdown passes (32) and 300-yard games (7) en route to his second career Pro Bowl selection. He's also led the Falcons to the NFL Playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history. More career accomplishments can be found here.

Still, the fact that he's now one of the league's top paid players is sure to put even more pressure on the five year signal caller. Expect the haters to come out in full force. "He's only won one NFL Playoff game," they'll say. "He's no Drew Brees," others will say.

To the haters, they can:

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Congratulations, Matt! Richly deserved. Keep making us Boston College fans proud.

For more on the Atlanta Falcons, check out The Falcoholic.