Matt Ryan on verge of being traded to AFC team?

The Atlanta Falcons did not emerge victorious in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, but they may be hitting the reset button at the quarterback position anyway.

The Falcons have been in discussions with the Indianapolis Colts about a Matt Ryan trade, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. Mike Garafolo adds that many around the NFL would be surprised if Ryan is not traded to Indy.

It’s to the point now where many around the league would be surprised if Matt Ryan to the #Colts doesn’t happen. https://t.co/uyR4YSYaNw

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 21, 2022

Ryan is owed a $7.5 million roster bonus at 4 p.m. EST on Monday. He was originally supposed to be paid that money last week, but both he and the Falcons agreed to push the deadline back while the Watson situation played out. Ryan is set to count more than $48 million against the salary cap next season, and the plan for the Falcons was always to lower that number. Now, they either need to sign him to a new contract or trade him.

The Colts recently traded Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders, so they are in the market for a quarterback. We know one other veteran QB who might want to be traded to them, but they seem to have a clear preference for Ryan.

Photo: Jan 2, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) leaves the field after a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports