Recently-retired Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has said that Matt Ryan is not one of the NFL's "elite" quarterbacks.

The 28-year-old has passed for over 4,000 yards in the last three seasons, as well as completing 87 touchdowns and 43 interceptions.

Gonzalez told ESPN: "Matt's an excellent quarterback. But he's not elite. He's this close. He'll get there, but he has some learning to do."

The 37-year-old has hinted that he may come out of retirement during the 2014 NFL season.