The man predicted to have the highest number in the NFL in 2022 has renegotiated his contract. Jan Rapoport of the NFL Network reports that the Falcons have restructured. Matt Ryandeal (Twitter connection). 
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As Rapoport elaborates, the move creates $12 million in equity for the upcoming season. While he was only set to earn $23.75 million in 2022, Ryan’s cap was set to exceed $48.66 million. This was the result of previous financial maneuvers that have contributed in no small measure to the current difficult limit situation. The Ryan Pact follows a similar pattern for the remaining two years.
Last month owner Arthur Blank signaled that the team was drawing up a succession plan for their QB franchise. The former third player will be 37 when the 2022 season begins, and it surprised many that the Falcons chose not to pick an heir, choosing 4th last April.
Ryan has been a model of consistency throughout his 14 seasons at Atlanta, including notably his 2016 MVP season which led to a trip to the Super Bowl. Since then, his individual stats have nearly matched his career averages, though the team as a whole has been unable to replicate that previous success. In 2021, the four-time pro bowler completed 67% of his passes for 3,968 yards and 20 touchdowns.
With the move, the Falcons will now have approximately $16.2 million to become free agents next week. One obvious use for the space produced would be to re-sign the midfielder. Foisade Oluokun, who earned himself a pay raise after leading the NFL in tackles last season. It was recently reported that he could hit the $10 million a year mark with a new deal, a figure that Atlanta will now be easier to adjust to.