After being openly involved in the Deshaun Watson trade saga, the Atlanta Falcons ultimately decided to move on from quarterback Matt Ryan. According to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, Ryan was traded to the QB needy Indianapolis Colts in return for a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. With a $7.5 million roster bonus due at the end of the day today (4 PM ET), the Falcons had no choice but to move on from Ryan if they wanted to try and help their already difficult salary cap situation.
Atlanta Falcons trade Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts
According to PFN’s Lead NFL Reporter Mike Kaye, the Falcons and Colts have been talking about a potential deal for Ryan since last week.
Now that Atlanta is out of the running for Watson and has traded away their starting QB, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo is reporting that we could see Atlanta pursue free agent Marcus Mariota. With questions surrounding who will be under center next season, the Falcons could also be looking towards the 2022 NFL Draft for the answer. The organization now has nine selections in the 2022 NFL Draft, including four picks in the top 75.
With the eighth overall pick in the first round, could prospects like Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett be on the table for Atlanta?