Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons hit pause on contract talks

The Atlanta Falcons are pushing the pause button on contract negotiations with Matt Ryan.

The quarterback is entering the final year of his contract and due $12 million in 2013. The Falcons don't want a Joe Flacco situation with Ryan playing without an extension reached. But it's time to focus on the 2013 NFL Draft, general manager Thomas Dimitroff told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter on Friday.

"The situation is, as we've mentioned, both parties, we're in a very comfortable situation," Dimitroff said. "We are focused on the draft again. After the draft we'll continue to discuss (Ryan's contract) and I'm sure both parties, Matt and the Falcons are feeling good about making sure that this gets done at the right time."

The Falcons have been cutting salary this offseason in anticipation of a mega-contract for Ryan. He's been a starter since day one, was named the 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year, led the team to the NFC championship last season and the Falcons haven't had a losing season since Ryan was drafted.

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The contract is expected to surpass the $120.6 million deal that Flacco signed with the Baltimore Ravens this offseason.

"There is no time frame on it right now, and I don't want to keep you hanging on it, but I feel confident things are going to be taken care of when the time is proper," Dimitroff said.

Like Flacco, it's not a matter of if -- just when and how much.

Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.