The Falcons, even without a Deshaun Watson trade happening, are considering making a massive quarterback move that no one expected at the start of free agency: Replacing Matt Ryan.
Ryan, a four-time Pro Bowler and 2016 NFL MVP, is going into his Age 37 season. As the team was considering Watson, he was put on notice that he might be moved as the team tries to go in a different younger direction at QB soon.
Here's looking at where Ryan could land if he falls out of Atlanta after 14 seasons:
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Ranking Matt Ryan's best trade fits in 2022
1. Indianapolis Colts
Whether it's Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo or Ryan or really any decent starting quarterback looking to keep that status with a new team in 2022, the Colts are the universal top answer on the board. The Colts are built to win now with their strong running game featuring Jonathan Taylor and reliable defense. They also ae expected to address left tackle to shore up their otherwise solid line.
GM Chris Ballard and coach Frank Reich have embraced the revolving door at QB. Ryan to the Colts should feel more like the success of Philip Rivers in 2020 than the semi-flop of Carson Wentz in 2021. Ryan has plenty of experience leading playoff teams with the right support systems. Indianapolis would be ideal.
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2. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have a void at quarterback after trading Russell Wilson to the Broncos and may be exploring displaced options such as Mayfield and Ryan if they don't like their draft options at No. 9 overall in the first round.
Seattle has a decent line should Duane Brown stay at left tackle and fine starting wide receivers in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. But the Seahawks also have a rebuilding defense and would be hard-pressed to contend for a playoff spot again in the NFC. The Seahawks should be somewhat interested, but Ryan should pass on going to them.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers might be content with Mitchell Trubisky as a young bridge QB with upside and a drafted rookie. They need to see Ryan as both an upgrade over Trubisky and retired Ben Roethlisberger in Matt Canada's system. The concern is Ryan's age as they just saw declining play from Roethlisberger, now 40, the past two seasons.
4. San Francisco 49ers
Do the 49ers really think 2021 first-rounder Trey Lance is ready to take over as starting quarterback in Year 2? That's the big question as they still haven't moved Garoppolo. Ryan would be the ultimate additional bridge, given his rise to elite MVP status came under coach Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta.
Shanahan might be tempted to reunite knowing that added up to a Super Bowl before. Ryan could take advantage of a great team around him to rejuvenate and thrive in a system he's already mastered.
