No. 3 pick Ryan, Falcons agree on $72M contract

From wire reports

May 21, 2008

Matt Ryan signed a six-year, $72 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons yesterday, ending concerns that prolonged negotiations could threaten his chance to become the starting quarterback as a rookie.

Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick in last month's draft out of Boston College, is guaranteed $34.75 million. His guaranteed money is $4.75 million more than that given to Jake Long, the No. 1 overall choice who also is represented by agent Tom Condon.

• Ravens // The team signed veteran cornerback Lenny Walls and released defensive back Jamaine Winborne. Walls, 28, started three games last season for the Rams but was cut in October. He is expected to compete for the nickel and dime back jobs. He has played six NFL seasons with three teams. Winborne played in 17 games for the Ravens. He made 21 special teams tackles last season.

• Redskins // Less than a month after being drafted, tight end Fred Davis apologized to owner Dan Snyder, coach Jim Zorn and his teammates for the "minor mistake" of missing a minicamp practice May 4. The second-round draft pick from Southern California said he overslept after switching hotel rooms.

• Cowboys // Dallas signed running back Marion Barber and cornerback Terence Newman to long-term extensions. Barber received a seven-year, $45 million contract. Newman's deal is a six-year extension worth more than $50 million.

• Saints // Defensive end Charles Grant has been indicted on a charge of involuntary manslaughter stemming from a February altercation at a nightclub. Grant, who was stabbed in the neck during the fracas, was charged by an Early County (Ga.) grand jury that also charged Laquient Macklin with felony murder and feticide in the shooting death of Korynda Reed, 23.