News of Matthews' reported extension broke late Sunday night. This marks the Falcons' second extension prior to the 2025 league year's official commencement on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. [Long snapper Liam McCullough signed his own contract extension last Thursday](https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/liam-mccullough-extended-free-agency-2025).
Matthews had two years left on his contract, [which last received a three-year extension in 2022](https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/jake-matthews-falcons-agree-to-three-year-extension). He was set to become a free agent in 2027, but now that year pushes back to 2029. At that point in time, Matthews will have completed his 15th season; the 2024 season marked his 11th.
The Falcons brought Matthews to Atlanta with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He has started 179 of a possible 180 games since then. The only game he has missed so far in his career was the second of his rookie season. Matthews was inactive due to a high-ankle sprain he sustained in his NFL debut the week before.
On Nov. 26, 2023 – a Week 12 win against the New Orleans Saints – Matthews surpassed former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan for the most consecutive starts in franchise history. Ryan's benchmark of 154 started in 2009 and ended in 2019. Matthews' began in 2014 and continues into 2025, currently at 178.
Matthews is 33 years old and originally from Missouri City, Texas.