Getty Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons.
Atlanta Falcons‘ longtime quarterback, Matt Ryan, has a decision to make.
In order to acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Falcons, with Ryan’s consent, had initially pushed back Ryan’s $7.5 million bonus due on Friday, March 18 to Tuesday. This meant that the Falcons could save some money while waiting on Watson’s decision and give Ryan four extra days to vet his trade options.
However, the Falcons failed to get Watson to Atlanta after he chose a historic deal with the Cleveland Browns and now, the team will either be paying Ryan his bonus, and then some, or sending him off to a new home.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Ryan does in fact have options as the team “fielded trade calls” over the weekend.
The #Falcons fielded trade calls the last few days centered around QB Matt Ryan, sources say. Today is a deadline to make a decision, as Ryan will earn a $7.5M roster bonus from ATL if he’s on the roster at 4 pm. It’ll be either a trade or back to ATL, possibly with a sweetener.
Whatever the final decision may be, the ball is in Ryan’s hands and he will have until 4 p.m. to decide if he stays or goes.
ALL the latest Falcons news straight to your inbox! Join the Heavy on Falcons newsletter here!
The Indianapolis Colts Could Be a ‘Real Possibility
There haven’t been any details leaked, yet, on which teams have contacted the Falcons to inquire about Ryan, but Rapoport tagged the Indianapolis Colts as a “real possibility” to land former MVP QB.
After recently trading away Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders the Colts are now in the market for a reliable quarterback. Ryan would be an upgrade from Wentz, who finished the 2021 season with 2,563 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 62.4% completion percentage.
Other possible landing spots being discussed for Ryan include the Seattle Seahawks, who sent Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers, who are looking to move on from Jimmy Garroppolo but may not be ready for Trey Lance to take over starting duties.
Falcons Rumors: Ryan’s Asking Price
It wasn’t too long ago that Ryan had said Atlanta was where he wanted to be.
“I want to be here,” Ryan said during the team’s final post-game press conference on January 9, 2022 after losing to the New Orleans Saints. I believe in this team. The coaching staff, I think, did a great job. I really feel fortunate to have been here for as long as I have. But I’m optimistic. I really am.
“I want to be here,” Ryan said. “I feel good about this group of guys. This coaching staff. Everybody. The direction that it’s going. I really think that we’re going to make improvements this offseason, continue to grow as a team and be better than we were this year.”
But now, that bridge may have been burned unless Atlanta is willing to offer Ryan a new long-term deal.
JPA Football is hearing, per Lance Zierlein, that Ryan wants a 3-year deal from the team.
Rumors: #Falcons QB Matt Ryan wants a brand new 3-year deal from the team, per @LanceZierlein
For 14 seasons, Matt Ryan has played a major key in leading the Falcons, which makes it difficult to imagine that he may no longer be the centerpiece.
The 36-year-old finished the 2021 season completing 3,968 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While he’s no longer in his “prime” those numbers prove that he’s still competing at a high level and deserves a team that values him.
READ NEXT: