Matt Ryan signed a $72 million, six-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, 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.
Ryan worked behind quarterbacks Chris Redman and Joey Harrington at his first minicamp with the team this month.
Ryan, 6-foot-5, ranked third in the nation with his school-record 4,507 yards passing in 2007 and was the first quarterback taken in the draft. He and general manager Thomas Dimitroff promised to avoid extended talks that could threaten Ryan’s status for training camp.

Misconduct to cost teams

The NFL put more teeth in its personal conduct policy when commissioner Roger Goodell announced he would fine teams whose players are suspended for disciplinary reasons.
“We want to continue to emphasize personal conduct and personal responsibility,” he said at the end of a one-day league meeting. “One way to do it is to hold teams responsible for the conduct of their players.

Dallas signs Barber, Newman

The Dallas Cowboys signed running back Marion Barber and cornerback Terence Newman to long-term extensions, just in time to beat a deadline that would’ve changed how the money is spread over the salary cap.
It wasn’t cheap, though, costing Jerry Jones roughly $95 million.
Newman’s deal is a six-year extension to the final year left on his initial contract. It’s worth more than $50 million, with a $12 million signing bonus and $22.5 million guaranteed over the first three years.
Barber, a restricted free agent, received a $45 million, seven-year contract that includes $16 million in guaranteed bonuses. It’s worth $21 million over the first three years.

NFL rookies to visit Hall  

All NFL rookies will visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the next three months as part of their league orientation.
The tour will include talks by former NFL players and members of the Hall of Fame staff in Canton.

Indy gets 2012 Super Bowl

Indianapolis was awarded the 2012 Super Bowl, the fourth time a cold-weather city will host the NFL’s championship game.
The new retractable-roof Lucas Oil Stadium was runner-up to Dallas last year. This time, Indianapolis beat out Houston and Arizona for the game, which will be played Feb. 5, 2012.

Grant indicted in Georgia

New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant has been indicted on a charge of involuntary manslaughter stemming from a February altercation at a nightclub in Blakely, Ga.
 

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