The unthinkable has actually happened in Atlanta as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to trade former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts for a third-round pick.
Trade!! The #Falcons are in agreement on a trade of QB Matt Ryan to the #Colts, per @MikeGarafolo, @TomPelissero and me. ATL gets a 3rd back.
Fallout from the Deshaun Watson situation, with Ryan starting over in Indy. Ryan gets a contract adjustment with more guaranteed money.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 21, 2022
The Colts present a great opportunity for Ryan as they are much closer to contention with an elite running game and solid defense.
Ryan was drafted by the Falcons with the No. 3 overall pick back in 2008 and has been a model of consistency for 14 NFL seasons. The 36-year-old made four Pro Bowls, was voted first-team All-Pro once, and was the league’s MVP of the 2016 season.
Never one to make waves or grab headlines, Ryan mostly let his play on the field speak for him. He’s not a gunslinger or dual-threat weapon like many of today’s top quarterbacks, however, Ryan is one of the most accurate pocket passers in NFL history and is still capable of playing at a high level.
Over his 14-year career, Ryan has thrown for 59,735 passing yards, 367 touchdowns and 170 interceptions for a passer rating of 94.2. He’s started 222 games, with a record of 120-102.