On Monday, March 21st, 2022 the Atlanta Falcons have announced that they are trading their long – time veteran star quarterback, Matt Ryan, to the Indianapolis Colts. In exchange, the Indianapolis Colts are sending the Atlanta Falcons a 2022 3rd – round NFL draft pick.

Following the departure of the Atlanta Falcons best quarterback of all – time in Matt Ryan, the Atlanta Falcons wasted no time in signing most likely their next starting quarterback in Marcus Mariota. Apparently, Mariota’s new agreement with the Atlanta Falcons is worth approximately $18.75 million over the course of the upcoming two – years.

The Indianapolis Colts were quite desperate for their next starting quarterback after they traded their former QB in Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders for 3rd – round picks in the 2022 and 2023 NFL drafts. Ryan will be the Indianapolis Colts’ 7th – different week – 1 starter in that many years, and he will be the 5th – different starting QB in the Indianapolis Colts’ head coach Frank Reich‘s tenure.

The Indianapolis Colts and Matt Ryan are right now in the process of restructuring his NFL contract that presently has 2 – years and $53.9 million remaining on the current deal as well as a lot of total guaranteed money in some form too. This restructuring of the contract could possibly lead to some salary – cap relief for the already set up to win Indianapolis Colts.

The 3rd – round draft pick that the Indianapolis Colts are giving the Atlanta Falcons for Matt Ryan is their original 3rd– round pick (the 82nd overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft which is not one of the picks that the Indianapolis Colts received from the Washington Commanders for the Carson Wentz trade.

Media Statements

“We’re thrilled we had a chance to acquire a proven veteran in Matt Ryan who brings tremendous experience to our team,” the Indianapolis Colts football general manager, Chris Ballard, explained. “Matt’s leadership and skillset will complement our roster’s growth and success. He’s long been a great ambassador for the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons, and we’re excited he can continue his accomplished career in Indianapolis.”

 “Matt Ryan has been the epitome of a franchise quarterback during his time here in Atlanta. He has represented this organization with great class, professionalism and leadership, both on and off the field, over the past 14 years,” the Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank stated. “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. 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. Matt led us to the playoffs six times, including two NFC Championship games, and the first Super Bowl appearance under my stewardship of the franchise. He holds every significant passing record in club history, is an All – Pro, an NFL MVP and is without question one of the greatest players in Falcons history. He will one day be added to our Ring of Honor, and it is my belief that a bust in Canton will follow in short order.

 “This business is not without its difficult decisions, and while this is one of the most difficult decisions we have faced as a club, we feel it is in the best long – term interests of both the Atlanta Falcons and Matt Ryan.”

Matt Ryan’s Football Career Achievements, Honors, & Awards

  • NFL Most Valuable Player Award (2016)
  • NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2016)
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2008)
  • First – Team NFL All – Pro (2016)
  • 4 – Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016)
  • NFL Passer Rating Leader (2016)
  • NFL Completion Percentage Leader (2012)
  • PFWA All – Rookie Team (2008)
  • Bert Bell Award (2016)
  • Manning Award (2007)
  • Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2007)
  • ACC Player of the Year (2007)
  • ACC Offensive Player of the Year (2007)
  • First – Team All – American (2007)
  • First – Team All – ACC (2007)
  • Boston College Eagles Retired Matt Ryan’s Number 12 Jersey