The Facts: Ryan and Joe Flacco have been linked since they entered the NFL together as first-round picks in the 2008 NFL Draft. Now that Flacco has become the highest-paid player in the NFL, Ryan has a chance to match or exceed his six-year, $120.6 million contract. "For Matt right now, he's not worried about it because he knows that something is around the corner, as we do," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said on Thursday. "I can't put an exact date on it.

Diehards Line:This is a long-winded way of saying I'm hoping we can agree to something going into the season." Along with Dimitroff and HC Mike Smith, Ryan has led the Falcons to the most successful era in franchise history. While Flacco has the edge in playoff success, Ryan leads all NFL quarterbacks in regular-season wins and fourth-quarter or overtime comebacks since 2008. According to NFL.com's Chris Wesseling, one estimate sets Ryan's next contract at $21 million to $23 million annually with more than $60 million in guarantees. ... Stay tuned.