The Atlanta Falcons have traded franchise quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts for a third-round pick (No. 82 overall) in the draft. Ryan played in Atlanta for over 10 years, having been drafted in 2008 as the third pick. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, a first-team All-Pro selection, 2016 MVP and led the Falcons to a Super Bowl LI appearance. Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank said, “Matt Ryan has been the epitome of a franchise quarterback during his time in Atlanta. He has represented this organization with great class, professionalism and leadership, both on and off the field, over the past 14 years. It is difficult to overstate what he has meant to me personally, our organization, his teammates and our fans. From his first day in the building, Matt has given his all in the pursuit of winning a championship for Atlanta. He certainly did. “His arrival in 2008 instantly made us a contender in the NFC and he’s been our quarterback through the most successful era in Falcons history.” I would agree with that.
Personally, I am not surprised with this move. The Colts were in need of a quarterback after the Carson Wentz trade, and they certainly got one. Now the question for Atlanta is which quarterback should they go after? They have lots of options out there. Should they go for one during free agency, or should they wait for the draft? We will see. The Colts have turned into a contender with an offense that consists of Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, with receivers Michael Pittman, Parris Campbell, Mo Alie-Cox and Ashton Dulin for Ryan to throw to. This is an interesting deal.
