MARCH 16, 11:55am: The Falcons have yet to process a restructuring of Matt Ryan‘s deal (Twitter link via Ari Meirov). That could be an indication that they’re serious about their pursuit of Deshaun Watson, who met with the Falcons today.
MARCH 11, 8:35pm: The man who was projected to have the highest cap number in the NFL in 2022 has re-worked his contract. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Falcons have restructured Matt Ryan‘s deal (Twitter link). 
As Rapoport details, the move creates $12MM in cap space for the upcoming season. While he was only due to make $23.75MM in 2022, Ryan’s cap number was slated to be over $48.66MM. That was a result of previous financial maneuvering, which contributed in no small part to the team’s current difficult cap situation. Ryan’s pact follows a similar pattern in its two remaining years.
Last month, owner Arthur Blank made it clear the team is putting together a succession plan for their franchise QB. The former third-overall pick will be 37 when the 2022 season starts, and it surprised many when the Falcons chose not to draft an heir apparent with the No. 4 selection last April.
Ryan has been the model of consistency throughout his 14 seasons in Atlanta, including, most notably, his MVP season in 2016 that led to a trip to the Super Bowl. Since then, his individual stats have been essentially on par with his career averages, although the team as a whole hasn’t been able 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 this move, the Falcons will now have roughly $16.2MM to work with heading into free agency next week. One obvious use for the manufactured space would be to re-sign linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, who earned himself a pay raise after leading the NFL in tackles last season. It was recently reported that he could reach the $10MM per year mark on a new deal – a figure which would now be easier for Atlanta to accommodate.
I like oluokun but I’m not going to break the bank on him with 16 mill we can get a veteran pass rusher and a corner
So, what exactly was done to restructure his contract??
All the article says was they now saved 12 mil, but it doesn’t say how, nor does it say how it impacts Ryan’s contract moving forward…
I’d have to imagine this move just adds to his future cap hit(s)?? If so, are they just kicking the can down the road, and hoping he retires in a year or two??
Yup, probably added a few “fantom” void able year. It’s a thing now. This can is definitely getting a bit dented
Reminds me of Rodgers new contract. They give him a huge raise and his cap hit goes down!!??
Smoke and mirrors…..
Whatever works for them I suppose…lol I know Paraag Maranthe (sp?) has been doing an excellent job for the 49ers constructing contracts for several years now..
I’d just imagine it’s illegal if everyone can do it, and there’s no penalty for just basically magically creating cap room..If that’s the case, then what’s the point of a salary cap, if team’s can just constantly do this??
Idk, I feel like it isn’t quite as black and gray as I’m making it out to be, and I’m probably missing something..lol
Can someone tell where I have to go to become knowledgeable about the cap and all of its subtleties and nuances, not least about how you can change the cap hit by restructuring an existing contract?
Article doesn’t say it but converted $15M of salary and roster bonus to restructure/signing bonus. $3M of that $15M is picked up against cap in 2022 (which is where the $12M savings comes from) and then $3M is added to each subsequent year: 23,24,25, and 26. 2024-2026 all voidable dummy years which will leave ATL with a $9M dead cap hit in 2024. So it’s basically what they have been doing with his contract, kicking the can down the road.
Source is spotrac, it’s a great site for contract details and information.
Thank you, I definitely appreciate that information, and the future reference as well!!
Good looking out..
Thanks! That’s crazy, they’re setting themselves up for a major rebuild in 2 or 3 years, which may spell the end of their tenures, instead of getting it over now and showing they can build a roster through the draft.
Perhaps Blank won’t allow a rebuild.
As much as I hate this kicking it down the road thing, I think the Falcons are so unimpressed with this years QB crop that they know none of them are worth where they will be picked. If you are going to draft a replacement that will sit and use up two of his cheap rookie contract years, he better be a sure thing. That just isn’t happening this year.
On the other side of this, I am not certain how that re-structure affects his trade value. The dead hit previously was so large it made no sense for the Falcons to trade him (no way they could get a replacement that was starting caliber for a contract plus Ryan’s dead hit, so why not keep him). This new contract might make him a little more trade friendly to the Falcons and there would have been teams interested in obtaining him given his base salary was reasonable.
I would MUCH rather have the Falcons re-structure him than roll the dice on this years QB’s. None are worth a first, and a second is too high given not a single one would have been top 6 or 7 in last years QB class (I think they would have slid in behind Trask). So, why not give it one last shot by saving some cap and trying to bring in a few decent replacements. draft ready to play guys now and hope by mid-season they are rounding into form, then fill out holes as best as possible.
In the NFL teams don’t rebuild they reload. It’s not like MLB. Teams in the nfl can come back rather quickly in a years time simply by using the draft and free agency
This is actually the best move. Should’ve took a qb last year but once we didn’t, you’ve committed to winning with Ryan. He’s the qb for the next 3-4 years so build around him. Get Linderbaum and pass rushers in round 2 or FA.
A team with no receivers and holes all over the defense should not draft a center at #8 overall.
Michael Vick 2.0. Maybe they have a trade lined up for Ryan going to Washington? Doesn’t make sense to have two very expensive QB’s on your roster.
Your last sentence explains why your question doesn’t make sense.