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Matt Ryan gives update on contract extension with the Falcons

Ryan discusses time frame and if something is holding up the process.
Credit: Bill Streicher
Jan 13, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) hands off to running back Tevin Coleman (26) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

There's still no obvious end in sight, but Matt Ryan said there is a positive dialogue happening between his side and the Atlanta Falcons regarding his upcoming contract extension.

"I think things have been productive up to this point. As far as time frame, I'm sure it will shake out and handle itself. I’m not sure if it will be today, tomorrow or a couple of weeks, but I really think that we’re moving in the right direction,” Ryan told 11Alive on Monday.

The Falcons have made it a priority this offseason to secure the franchise quarterback for a few more years after he took the team to the Super Bowl two seasons ago and was the 2016 MVP. He is entering the final year of his five-year, $107.5 million deal he signed in 2013. Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff recently said he thought a deal was close.

Negotiations have extended through free agency, which may have held up the Falcons from making certain moves. Their notable moves have been signing guard Brandon Fusco, cornerback Justin Bethel and tight end Logan Paulsen. They haven't made a big splash or been big spenders.

When asked about possibly holding up the organization from making other moves in free agency, Ryan said it's not even a thought. He said he doesn't get too involved in the business side of the game.

"Our organization has a plan in place, and I really trust them to do their job when it comes to that," he said.

Other quarterback contracts such as Kirk Cousin's deal with the Minnesota Vikings and Jimmy Garoppolo's with the San Francisco 49ers that made him the highest-paid quarterback at $137.5 million over five years may have caused a snag. Ryan's resume is better, and therefore he could be waiting for a better deal.

"I think this is just how it goes," Ryan said, adding nothing was holding-up the process. "Sometimes there is back and forth through these processes. I’m not too concerned about it.”

There's no expected holdout from Ryan, but he did make a point to say he was excited to get back to the team's training facility next Monday when the offseason training program begins for the Falcons in Flowery Branch.

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