The Atlanta Falcons gravitated toward Michael Penix Jr. leading the offense moving forward. Now they’ll ensure he’s got protection on the field through a $45 million deal ahead of NFL free agency. Veteran left tackle Jake Matthews is re-signing with the franchise,

Head coach Raheem Morris is a huge believer in Penix and praised the young quarterback during his Tuesday press conference at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

Nothing has changed with Kirk at this point. Our stance is the same as it was at the end of the season with Kirk."

Matthews, 33, was set to count $21.7 million against the 2025 cap, but the extension will diminish his cap hit ahead of free agency.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports that the Falcons have agreed to a two-year extension with LT Jake Matthews worth $45 million. Matthews had two years remaining on his current deal which included base salaries of $15,