Money in the bank

Since Jess is in Atlanta, I can run a muck. It's been awhile since I posted about Matt Ryan. For your viewing pleasure.

Quarterback Matt Ryan, the No. 3 overall draft pick, signed a six-year contract with the Falcons Tuesday.

The deal is reportedly worth $72 million with $34.75 million in guaranteed money. Many of the top picks from 2007 signed five- or-six- deals, including No. 3 pick Joe Thomas (Cleveland, five-years, $43 million).

The team has announced an 8 p.m. press conference with Ryan.

The Boston College product, who is participating in offseason workouts at team headquarters, came to terms roughly three weeks after being drafted by Atlanta, further highlighting the change that is taking place with the new leadership at Flowery Branch.

The Falcons typically haven't signed their top pick until just before the start of training camp in the late summer — if that soon.

New general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who replaced Rich McKay, now the team president, broke from that pattern to make sure the player the franchise hopes will lead it to a new era, won't miss any time that could delay his maturation.

Ryan is the second top-three draft pick to reach contract terms. Michigan tackle Jake Long agreed to a five-year, $57.5 million contract before he was officially selected first overall by Miami.

With Ryan now in the fold, the only remaining question regarding him will be when he will be in the pocket.

Ryan spent minicamp two weeks ago working behind starter Chris Redman and backup Joey Harrington. D.J. Shockley was limited because he is recovering from knee surgery.

Coach Mike Smith has not ruled out Ryan starting from Day 1. How Ryan performs in training camp and preseason likely will factor into the decision. Helping Ryan's cause is that he won't miss any practices in a contract dispute, allowing him to be on relatively equal footing with the other quarterbacks on the team.