After 14 seasons, the Atlanta Falcons traded Matt Ryan to the Colts for a third-round pick. Without a successor on the roster, how will they replace him?
Many of us anticipated the eventual departure of Matt Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons, and it happened. After 14 seasons, General Manager Terry Fontenot traded the long-time quarterback to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2022 third-round pick. The move wasn’t a surprise, given the Falcons were one of 13 teams interested in trading for Deshaun Watson.
The Browns won the bid, leaving the Falcons with their former Pro Bowl quarterback — it didn’t last long.
Needing cap relief, Fontenot sent the former MVP packing. The Falcons no longer have the leadership at the position. Despite his decreasing skills, Ryan was a heady player who didn’t make a ton of mistakes. He can still help a team win. Why else would the Colts trade for him?
The Falcons are looking two-to-three years into the future. As Matt Ryan’s wife says goodbye to the Falcons, the question remains, who will they get to replace her husband?
They brought in Marcus Mariota to help bridge the gap for the next face of the franchise. He’ll work as a serviceable starter during this rebuilding phase as the Flacons move away from Matt Ryan into a new era. There are prospects the Atlanta Flacons should have their eyes on in 2022, or they could have their sights set on a proven quarterback.
Atlanta Falcons option no. 5: Baker Mayfield, QB, Browns
Some may roll their eyes, but it makes sense. Baker Mayfield isn’t a bad quarterback. He’s a pocket mover with above-average arm strength who can make plays with legs. He’s not a runner but works well on the move.
Arthur Smith could get the best out of a motivated Mayfield who has leadership qualities. His best season was 2020, where he threw 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Browns went 11-5 and won a playoff game for the first time in forever.
Adding Mayfield is risky, but considering he’s only 26, it’s worth it. There are two ways the Falcons can get Baker Mayfield. They can trade for him by talking the Browns down from the first-round asking price. If he hits the market, they should bring him in to battle with Marcus Mariota.