Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan becoming the highest-paid player in the league -- at least for now -- shouldn't come as much of a surprise.
When Ryan put together his MVP season in 2016, owner Arthur Blank made it clear Ryan would be rewarded for putting the Falcons in position to win a Super Bowl. The Falcons ultimately fell short, losing to the New England Patriots.
"He needs to be compensated well, certainly," Blank told ESPN prior that season's Super Bowl. "And he will be."
As of today, Ryan is the league's highest-paid player in a five-year contract extension ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported is worth $30 million per year and $100 million guaranteed.