Atlanta Falcons beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter joined Dukes & Bell live from the NFL combine and talked about why Matt Ryan might the Atlanta Falcons quarterback for years to come.
When asked about ways the team could create cap space Ledbetter mentioned why extending Ryan is on the table.
“I was talking to somebody that knows about his contract and they said that’s the only option because you can’t do voidable years because you would risk not having the benefit of a good year," said Ledbetter. "So one year maybe two, push the money back. Just be prepared to take a dead hit at ’23 or ’24 and spread it out over two years with a June 1 designation if you gotta cut it.
"If you can keep him for four years he plays until 40s, you’re up to 41 now, right now we’re looking at 39 for sure.”
Ledbetter discussed how the team wants to build for the future.
“They’re going to try to build out the team, this is what Arthur told me in London so I try to repeat it as much as I can," said the long-time beat writer. "I know the fans don’t wanna hear it, they want Malik Willis, they want this quarterback, they want that quarterback. I don’t think that’s happening. But you know, hey stranger things can go down.
"But they want to build out the team, the interior inside out. And then when they have the team built, the heir apparent will be on board to take over for Matt at that time.”