One of the interesting subplots of the Deshaun Watson situation was the disillusionment of Matt Ryan with the Falcons once it became clear they were willing to move on from him for Watson. Even after Watson shockingly ended up choosing the Browns rather than one of his presumed favorites in the Falcons or Saints, it appeared clear that Ryan's relationship with the Falcons was fractured beyond repair.
That situation came to a head on Monday, with the Falcons sending Ryan to the Colts for a 2022 third-round pick, per Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport, and Mike Garafolo. Indianapolis is sending its third-round pick (82nd overall) to Atlanta and keeping the third-rounder it got from Washington in the Carson Wentz trade (73rd overall), Albert Breer of The MMQB reports.
The trade came under the wire for the Falcons' 4 p.m. deadline to make a decision on Ryan. The veteran quarterback, whose $7.5 million roster bonus was supposed to hit on Friday, pushed his deadline back to Monday at 4 p.m. to let the Watson situation play out. Now, he's on his way out of Atlanta.
Here's a look at the details of the trade:
Matt Ryan trade details
- Colts get: QB Matt Ryan
- Falcons get: 2022 third-round pick (82nd overall)
The deal, of course, leaves the Falcons with a major need at quarterback. Feleipe Franks is now the Falcons' only rostered QB, implying Atlanta was willing to blow up the roster to go all-in for Watson, and then blow up the roster again if Watson didn't go there.
As for Ryan, he joins Denver's Russell Wilson as the latest longtime NFC mainstay to flip to the AFC via trade. While the return isn't exactly comparable, Ryan may well be the second-best quarterback in the AFC South with this trade.
I'm told there will be no significant changes to Matt Ryan's contract after his trade to the Colts from the Falcons. So, Colts have him for two years at $24.7 million this year and $28.2 million in 2023 (based on his present contract terms.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 21, 2022
For the Colts, this will mark the third year in a row they've tried to plug in a veteran quarterback. Philip Rivers retired after his first season with Indianapolis, whereas Carson Wentz was traded to the Commanders after missing the playoffs in embarrassing fashion with a Week 17 loss to the Jaguars.
What Falcons owner Arthur Blank said after the trade
Arthur Blank expressed his admiration for Ryan and his accomplishments in Atlanta, saying, "Matt Ryan has been the epitome of a franchise quarterback during his time here in Atlanta. He has represented this organization with great class, professionalism and leadership, both on and off the field, over the past 14 years.
It is difficult to overstate what he has meant to me personally, our organization, his teammates and our fans. From his first day in the building, Matt has given his all in the pursuit of winning a championship for Atlanta... He will one day be added to our Ring of Honor, and it is my belief that a bust in Canton will follow in short order.
"On behalf of the entire Falcons organization, I wish him success as he continues his career and know that he will bring the same dedication and professionalism to his next club."
