After a 10-15 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Divisional Round, the Atlanta Falcons are now shifting their focus to the offseason and making moves to give themselves a chance to reach the Super Bowl once again after 2016.
According to team’s general manager Thomas Dimitroff, the primary concern for the Falcons will be reaching an agreement with their quarterback Matt Ryan about the contract extension.
“No real comment, just the fact that it will be a focus this offseason,” – said Dimitroff. “That’s one that, interestingly enough, will help create flexibility in what we’re doing [going] forward with a number of moves we may be making. Yes, Matt’s focus will be the No. 1 focus.‘”
Although this season wasn’t on the same level as his 2016 MVP season, the Falcons obviously still have a lot of faith in Ryan and won’t be afraid to pay big for the 32-year-old QB. In 2017 regular season, Ryan completed 64.7% of his passes (342 out of 529) for 4,095 yards and 20 touchdowns. In the two playoff games, Ryan threw for 210 and 218 yards and had a touchdown in each of the games.
Besides Ryan, the 42-year-old kicker Matt Bryant should also get an extension in the offseason. Bryant made all 35 extra point attempts and was 34 of 39 in field goal attempts for the Falcons in 2017.
“Matt Bryant is one that we’re going to talk to here soon about what’s going on next season,” – said Dimitroff. “I think Matt did a heck of a job for us this year. In a lot of ways, he stepped up to the ball and rose to the occasion. I was very proud of him, as I know Dan was. Having a guy who continues to fight age, but he does a very good job with it. He continues to come through for us. He’s an important part.”
