MAY 18: It does not sound like Ryan would take another QB gig just because it was offered. In an interview addressing his recent decision to join CBS, the former MVP said the fit would need to be perfect for him to play a 16th season.
“This situation, all the stars would have to [align],” Ryan said during a Sirius XM Radio appearance (via NFL.com). “I’ve just learned, at least during my experience in the 15 years I’ve played, to just not shut any doors.”
Ryan not filing retirement papers will keep him in line for the $12MM the Colts owe. He joins Colts predecessor Carson Wentz and Teddy Bridgewater as starter-level QBs available, but at this point, it sounds more likely than not Ryan will focus on broadcasting.
MAY 15: Matt Ryan has found the next football chapter of his life, albeit without fully closing the door on his first one resuming at some point. The veteran quarterback announced on Monday that he will be joining CBS as a studio and game analyst in 2023 (Twitter link). 
The 37-year-old added, however, that “this is not a retirement post.” He will obviously remain on the lookout for opportunities to join a team as a player again, something which his one-year stint with the Colts suggests would be unlikely at this point. Ryan was released in March in an expected move following a forgettable performance by he and the team on offense. He is due $12MM from the Colts in 2023.
“It is truly an honor to join this exceptional team at CBS Sports,” a statement from Ryan reads. “I have been blessed to have incredible teammates throughout my career and I am fortunate that will continue here working with and learning from the very best in the industry.”
The 2016 MVP enjoyed a 14-year stint with the Falcons, which included Offensive Rookie of the Year honors as well as a Super Bowl appearance. Ryan slowed down following Atlanta’s loss in the title game, however, and he was traded to Indianapolis last offseason. The Colts initially viewed him as a multi-year solution under center, despite his age, but their evaluation changed dramatically during the campaign.
Ryan found himself in and out of the lineup as the Colts pivoted from Frank Reich to Jeff Saturday as head coach. Overall, he went just 4-7-1 while posting a 14:13 touchdown-to-interception ratio. That confirmed the Colts’ need to go in a new direction once again at the QB position, which ultimately landed them Gardner Minshew in free agency and then Anthony Richardson in the draft.
Knowing his time in Indianapolis was likely to come to an end, Ryan stated after the season that he still viewed himself as being capable of playing at the NFL level. With the post-draft wave of free agency well underway, though, numerous starting- and backup-caliber signal-callers have found new homes. Ryan has not been involved in that player movement, helping lead to this decision to transition away from the field in the next phase of his football career.
Very good career. Seems like calling it quits before last year would’ve been the move but these guys obviously have drive to play and sometimes their competitive will doesn’t match their current physical skill.
And the $30 million paycheck
The Falcons have been terrible and still traded you. Take the hint.
If you’re holding MattRyan responsible for the Falcons’ ineptitude the last few years, you have a pretty high standard for him as a player.
You can also say that they were bad and he was someone who could return worth to the Falcons. Remember, he was traded for, not cut. Someone felt there was value.
Does this mean Romo is gone? I know a lot of people that want that
God can only hope
He can say whatever he wants but the league retired him. Good career, but it’s over.
He can say whatever he wants but the league retired him. Good career, but it is ovah!
No longer has the physical ability to even be a backup at this point so I hope he can add some new blood to the booth. What a shame he will always be known for the greatest Super Bowl collapse.
Funny when I think of the collapse I don’t think of Matt Ryan. I think of shanahan and the defense falling apart
Shanahan deserves more credit for being a playoff choker.
Ryan will probably be the next veteran QB the Jets pursue after Rodgers calls it quits so why bother retiring? He can create a wish list of WRs he’d like the Jets to sign while working those CBS broadcasts.
Who starts a game first amongst those 3 referenced? Ryan, Teddy, or Wentz?
Who starts a game first amongst those 3? Teddy, Ryan, or Wentz?
Teddy