Matt

Ryan

Ryan was the third overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft and spent the first 14 years of his career with the Falcons. He and the Falcons immediately went 56-22 over his first four years in the league while making the playoffs in four of his first five seasons. In 2016, Ryan led the Falcons to an 11-5 record while clinching the NFC South along with his first and only MVP award. Unfortunately, that season also ended in a heartbreaking defeat, as the Falcons came up short on the infamous “28-3" game in Super Bowl LI. After a down 2021 season, Ryan moved on to the Colts in 2022. Looking like a shell of his former self, Ryan threw for 3057-14-13 in 12 starts for the Colts that season and wasn’t brought back in 2023 — by any team. Now ready to hang it up, Ryan retires as the Falcons’ all-time leader in passing yards (59,735) and passing touchdowns (367). He currently sits seventh on the NFL’s all-time passing yards list (62,792) and is ninth in career touchdown passes (381). Even without that lucrative championship, Ryan walks away as one of the most productive players at the quarterback position and should one day hear his name called for Canton.

Ryan just inked a deal to join CBS as an analyst this fall. He insisted that he wasn’t retiring directly in his announcement of the news, and that’s likely true for now. He even said he has learned not to “shut any doors” during his time in the league, though there is another reason for him to hold off on calling it a career. As long as he doesn’t formally retire, the Colts will remain on the hook for the $12 million they owe Ryan as a result of cutting him. Ryan tossed 14 scores and 13 interceptions in his 12 games with the Colts in 2022. As immobile as ever, he also took 38 sacks. A dismal season in Indianapolis aside, Ryan will go down as one of the most productive quarterbacks to ever play football if this is the end. He ranks ninth in career touchdown passes (381) and seventh in passing yards (62,792). Ryan also has an MVP and a Super Bowl appearance to his name.

Just days before his 38th birthday, Ryan tweeted his intent to join CBS for the upcoming season. While he insisted this was not a retirement post, it’s possible the league has already moved on from Ryan. Ryan’s lone season with the Colts couldn’t have gone much worse, as he ate 38 sacks in 12 games while throwing for 3057-14-13. Being benched twice in favor of Sam Ehlinger and/or Nick Foles only added to Ryan’s down season, but it was clear he was a far cry from the player he once was. Concerns over Ryan’s declining arm strength likely resulted in little interest on the open market after the Colts cut ties with him in mid-March. If this is indeed the end for Ryan, he would walk away ranking ninth in career touchdown passes (381) and seventh in career passing yards (62,792). His 2016 MVP season was overshadowed by a loss in Super Bowl LI after his team jumped out to a 28-3 lead, but the 14 years of stability he provided the Falcons at the quarterback position, and multiple 10+ win seasons are worthy of recognition.

The long-expected, no-brainer move saves $17.2 million against the cap. Soon to be 38, Ryan was benched twice during his lone Colts campaign and no longer appeared capable of moving at an NFL level. He was essentially a mummy in the face of the rush. It didn’t help that the Colts’ once-vaunted line began to crumble, but Ryan’s immobility only exacerbated the issue. It’s possible, if not probable, someone with better blocking will decide to bet on Ryan as an experienced No. 2 quarterback and mentor, but he has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt he can no longer credibly function as a No. 1. The Colts’ 2023 starter is not currently on the roster.

Ryan, the fourth consecutive stop-gap quarterback in Indianapolis, was benched twice and separated his throwing shoulder during the 2022 season. The Colts hold the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft but Ballard has held his cards close to his chest regarding how the team intends to use the lofty draft capital. Ballard added, “We’ll work through it with Shane... We’re just getting the staff settled. We’ll start working through things next week.” Ballard and newcomer head coach Shane Steichen have a lot to address for a franchise that has stumbled since Andrew Luck announced his retirement following the 2018 season.

Ryan is due $12 million in guaranteed money if (when) the Colts cut him. They’ll be sure to do so before March 17th, when another $17.2 million in guaranteed money is scheduled to kick in if he’s still under contract. It’s financially beneficial for the 37-year-old quarterback to keep any doors for a return open until then to avoid losing out on money that is all but his. Ryan does say in an article by Stephen Holder on ESPN that he still loves the game and believes “there’s a lot of good football [left]”, although many would beg to differ on that last point. While Ryan’s offensive line did him few favors in 2022, it’s hard to ignore his 13 interceptions and league-high 15 fumbles that resulted in his benching twice last season. A noticeable decline in arm strength is also working against the veteran quarterback, who posted career lows in YPA (6.6) and aDOT (6.8) last season.

Keefer has been adamant that the Colts would not once again break the bank for a castoff quarterback in their desperate search for a viable starting signal caller. Carr, who was sent home by the Raiders before Week 17, has a no-trade clause and $40.4 million in guarantees that trigger on February 15, meaning the Raiders would have to deal Carr before that date. The Colts likely won’t head into the 2023 season with Matt Ryan under center, but it doesn’t seem Carr, 32 in March, will be next up in the depressing Colts quarterback carousel.

Despite tossing three interceptions in Week 17 against the Chargers, Nick Foles will remain as the Colts’ starting quarterback. The Colts are playing for pride as they have bigger fish to fry with their head coach situation. Ryan remains inactive.

With Ryan being benched, he’ll be a healthy scratch. Sam Ehlinger will be the back up quarterback as Nick Foles makes his first start of the season.

Ryan has been benched for the second time this season following last week’s historic meltdown against the Vikings in which Ryan and head coach Jeff Saturday choked away a 33-0 lead. Foles is expected to start the final three games of yet another lost season for the down-bad Colts. Ryan’s season -- and possibly his career -- ends on the most inglorious note possible. Acquired from the Falcons to provide some stability for the Indy offense, Ryan -- behind a terrible offensive line -- was a complete disaster from start to finish in 2022, managing 14 touchdowns to go along with 13 interceptions in 12 starts. Ryan’s adjusted yards per attempt (6) was the lowest of his 14-year NFL career. With no ability to avoid pass rushers and an arm as weak as any quarterback in the NFL, Ryan’s days as a starter are likely over. Foles in 2021 started one game for the Bears, completing 24 of 35 passes for 250 yards and a touchdown against the Seahawks. He can be picked up in superflex formats.