After being one of the runners-up to land Deshaun Watson, the Falcons face an important decision with their current quarterback. The team has “fielded trade calls” on Matt Ryan in the past few days, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). 
[RELATED: Falcons Delay Ryan’s Roster Bonus]
Today represents an important, if artificial, deadline, as Ryan has a $7.5MM roster bonus due at 4:00 PM Eastern time. The Falcons pushed that date back last week, as a means of making a trade for Watson more viable. With the Georgia native off to Cleveland, however, they now need to commit to their course of action with the franchise signal-caller.
Rapoport’s colleague Tom Pelissero adds that the process of trade discussions pre-date Atlanta’s inclusion in the pursuit of Watson, and has continued throughout the weekend. As he notes, the largest hurdle to be cleared for any move to be possible is Ryan’s contract situation. The 36-year-old has two years remaining on his deal, with $51.7MM owed over that time, and cap hits of over $40MM in both seasons. The team was thought to have restructured his pact last week, but they have yet to officially process that move.
The Colts have been named as a potential landing spot for the former league MVP. As one of the only remaining teams with a vacant starting spot at the position – not to mention one willing to bring in accomplished but ageing veterans such as Philip Rivers – a trade to Indianapolis wouldn’t come as a surprise. On the other hand, they are said to be the preferred destination of Baker Mayfield, whose team has more reason to execute a trade. Between that, and the fact Mayfield is ten years younger and his contract is far less expensive, Ryan won’t be the only consideration for Indianapolis.
Ultimately, this situation could be resolved in the coming hours. If a deal doesn’t happen, it would point to Ryan remaining with the only franchise he’s been with. If it does, another QB domino will have fallen, and the Falcons’ succession plan at the position will begin.
Interesting dilemma for Indy. Mayfield is younger and less expensive, but erratic. Ryan’s price is steep and he’s not far from done, but much steadier.
So Atlanta’s plan is to simply crash and burn for a few years?
What exactly do you think they’ve been doing lately? 2017 is a long time ago.
Up until a few weeks ago i thought for sure Ryan would retire as a falcon. Was there animosity between him and the falcons? Obviously it probably hurt Ryan’s feelings when the falcons showed interest in the sexual predator
Would you rather have Ryan or Jimmy g
At this stage I’d have to say Jimmy G due to age but if a team can take on that salary I’d like to think that Ryan would come cheaper as far as trade value is concerned.
Ya short term Ryan long term Jimmy g
My knee jerk reaction was to say Jimmy because he’s younger and Ryan is so clearly declined from his peak, but I’m not sure how much worse Ryan currently is if you take into account their situations, and I’m not sure how much I’d want to treat Jimmy like a win-now QB because of durability. Matt Ryan has missed three games in his whole career. Jimmy’s next complete season will be his second ever. And it’s not like he’s come close most of the time.
I’d like to see Baker in Seattle or New Orleans and Jimmy G end up with the Colts.
Falcons need to rebuilt and that had to start at QB
If I was the Colts I’ll take Matt Ryan and give the Falcons at best a 3 round pick. Matt Ryan has had the worst O line since 2018 no RB since Devonta Freeman and this year he was only passing to Kyle Pitts and Patterson and still passed for 4,000 yards. Most people don’t know is on passes over 30 yards he was perfect in 10 tries. Take the veteran QB and wait 2 years for Bryce Young or Caleb to come out of college.