Matt Ryan isn't on the Jets' radar, and they're not on his either.
Fox Sports reported that Ryan reached out to New York, gauging interest because of the team's quarterback struggles, but Ryan quickly was declined the option. Now an NFL analyst for CBS Sports, he spent 15 years as an NFL quarterback before being released by the Colts in the spring. He is not officially retired from the league yet.
Even if he wanted to return to the NFL though, he cleared up the report, telling his own network that the feeling — or lack thereof — is mutual, and he has no interest in joining the Jets. He said he was enjoying his time on the broadcasting side, and confirmed that his agent did reach out to New York, but he was doing his job of exploring teams for the quarterback.
"I got no interest in doing that right now."
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 25, 2023
Our very own @m_ryan02 sets the record straight on his interest in being the next QB of the New York Jets pic.twitter.com/wtuOIn7rqY
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Before being released, Ryan spent one season with the Colts. He played the previous 14 years with the Falcons, where he won the league's MVP award for the 2016 season after leading his team to their second-ever Super Bowl. Atlanta lost, 34-28, to the Patriots in overtime.
The Jets have been one of the most talked-about teams this season for better or for worse. After losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first game of the season, they have resorted to starting Zach Wilson, a decision that is under fire. After New York's loss to New England in Week 3, head coach Robert Saleh said, "Right now, Zach is the best player — he's who gives us the best chance to win." New York has only one other quarterback on its roster with Tim Boyle.
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Wilson, in his third year, was able to come in for Rodgers in the opener and get the overtime win against Buffalo. But that's about all he's done. The Jets then lost to the Cowboys behind Wilson's three interceptions. He had no interceptions against the Patriots but also had no touchdowns and only 157 yards in the loss. New York hosts the Chiefs on Sunday.
Should the Jets want to find a veteran quarterback later this season, they still will likely not go to Ryan after his poor performance last season. He passed for 3,057 yards and 14 touchdowns but had 13 interceptions along the Colts' way to a 4-12-1 season.
