Three targets to help new Colts’ quarterback Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan was just traded from the Atlanta Falcons to the Indianapolis Colts. Who are some free agents to help him out in his new home?
On Monday, the Atlanta Falcons shipped off their franchise quarterback Matt Ryan to Indianapolis for a 2022 third-round pick.
The Colts have another short-term solution at quarterback and are poised to continue to try to compete for a playoff spot and perhaps more.
The Falcons should now enter a full rebuild mode with new head coach Arthur Smith and new general manager Terry Fontenot, who both took over before the 2021 season.
Now that Ryan is in Indy, the Colts can hit the ground running in the last waves of free agency to try and surround him with as much talent as possible. While he is still an effective signal-caller, he’s also very limited and does need a stronger roster to win.
Fortunately, the Colts do have a stronger roster, but they have a couple of holes that may impact Ryan being able to reach his full potential in Indy. He has shown a few seasons of being an elite passer, winning the MVP award in 2016.
So, who are some targets to help out Matt Ryan for 2022 and beyond?
Three targets to help Matt Ryan in 2022
1. Julio Jones, WR
This makes the most sense. Julio Jones and Matt Ryan spent 10 years in Atlanta together. They remained one of the best QB-WR duos in the NFL during this time period, and the Colts have a need at wide receiver.
Longtime Colts great T.Y. Hilton is a free agent, Jack Doyle retired, and Michael Pittman can’t do it all himself.
Julio Jones to Indy is a natural fit for both sides; Ryan gets someone he is clearly very comfortable with, and Indy gets another threat at wide receiver.
Jones has played in just 19 games the past two seasons, to injuries are starting to catch up to him. He’s entering his age-33 season and is one of the best to ever do it.
Jones won’t have to have a featured role in the offense, but getting him on the roster makes too much sense for the Colts to pass up.