The Atlanta Falcons appear to have a very real shot at landing Deshaun Watson, and Matt Ryan will obviously be playing elsewhere next season if that happens. While Watson has not made a decision yet, an AFC team has already emerged as the most likely suitor for Ryan.
During a late-night appearance on ESPN Thursday, Adam Schefter said the Indianapolis Colts would “make some sense” for Ryan if the Falcons acquire Watson. Atlanta originally owed Ryan a roster bonus on Friday, but Schefter reports that the two sides have agreed to extend that deadline until Tuesday so that Ryan can “vet his trade options.”
Just a reminder: Falcons and Matt Ryan agreed to push back the $7.5 million roster bonus due to the Atlanta QB today until Tuesday, giving Ryan four extra days to vet his trade options, per sources. pic.twitter.com/VzZBL9S4q5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
The last part is the most noteworthy. Watson is said to be deciding between the Falcons and New Orleans Saints, but many believe he has already decided. It is possible — if not likely — that the Houston Texans and Falcons have agreed to a trade and Watson has signed off on it. Atlanta may prefer to find a new home for Ryan before announcing anything. The Falcons could also send some assets they receive in a Ryan trade to Houston as part of the Watson package.
There are still a lot of moving parts, but Colts reporter Stephen Holder agrees that Indy is a logical landing spot for Ryan.
Regarding Matt Ryan, I’m buying the theory that his agreeing to postpone the bonus payment suggests a confidence that a trade is coming. And that HAS to mean Atlanta is confident about landing Deshaun Watson.
At that point, Ryan to Indy makes a lot of sense for both sides.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 18, 2022
The Cleveland Browns are another team that could make a play for Ryan. Baker Mayfield publicly requested a trade on Thursday, and one report claimed he has interest in playing for the Colts.
Several quarterbacks have changed teams this offseason, and the shuffling appears far from over.
Photo: Jan 31, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan answers questions during a press conference at Westin Houston Memorial City Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
