The Colts have successfully landed a franchise quarterback.
Matt Ryan will leave the Falcons — who he has played for since his NFL career began 14 seasons ago — for Indianapolis.
Earlier this offseason, the Colts traded Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders. Since then, the Colts had been pursuing Ryan though discussions reportedly were kept quiet just in case the deal fell through, according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini.
In addition, Russini reports that Ryan does not have a no-trade clause and had the option of “refusing to go.”
Ryan, 36, has two years and $54 million left on his contract. Last season, the quarterback averaged 7.1 yards per attempt and threw 20 touchdowns to 12 interceptions as the Falcons went 7-10 and missed the postseason.
Earlier on Monday, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported that Indianapolis was “trying to finalize” a deal with the Falcons, while NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport called the Colts the “likely landing spot” for Ryan and added that “[t]he two sides [Colts and Falcons] have made progress on a deal. Nothing done. But a big few hours loom.”
The Falcons were in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes until the eleventh hour last week when Watson spurned them for the Cleveland Browns and a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million offer.