NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports the extension includes $38 million fully guaranteed over the next two seasons. Matthews was selected No. 6 overall in the 2014 draft by the Falcons and has been with the team ever since, starting all 179 games he has played in. Atlanta now locks him in for two more seasons to protect the left-handed Michael Penix Jr.

Matthews was hurt on a Desmond Ridder interception play and is listed as questionable to return with a knee injury. Backup Tyler Vrabel is in for Matthews to protect Ridder’s blindside.

Matthews' status was in doubt after he had to leave the team for the birth of his son, but he has made it to the stadium in time. Matthews is having another solid year on Marcus Mariota's blindside. Inactive for the Falcons are TE Feleipe Franks, S Erik Harris, CB A.J. Terrell, ILB Nate Landman, OL Jonotthan Harrison, TE Anthony Firkser and DL Matt Dickerson.

This was done as a means to reduce Matthews' $26 million-plus cap hit for 2022. The former No. 6 overall pick of the 2014 draft, this puts Matthews under the Falcons' control through his age-34 season. Matthews graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 44 tackle last season out of 147 qualifiers.