The Indianapolis Colts may soon find a new quarterback now that the quarterback market is clearer.
The Houston Texans have traded quarterback Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns and that gives a clearer picture of the current quarterback market.
Watson was initially considering a trade to the Atlanta Falcons. So much that the Falcons and Matt Ryan agreed to push the $7.5 million roster bonus back so they can work out a trade.
Although, Watson ultimately chose Cleveland, Ryan’s future with the Falcons still isn’t clear. After the team was ready to move on from him, there’s a possibility that Ryan may now want out.
What about the #Falcons?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2022
Atlanta will turn their attention to making Matt Ryan feel wanted while he considers his options.
We could see Ryan getting moved very quickly to a new team since the roster bonus is now set to hit on Tuesday, a deal will need to be worked out no later than Monday.
It’s widely known that the Indianapolis Colts are in the market for a quarterback and have recently been in discussion with Saints quarterback Jameis Winston.
Chris Ballard could switch gears and go after Ryan but at what cost?
Trading for Matt Ryan would be worst thing for Colts
At this point, trading for any quarterback this offseason is not going to be ideal. There are a few quarterbacks that could be traded like Baker Mayfield, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Taylor Heinicke.
The Colts should only be interested in Mayfield because of age and ability. Ryan, being another trade candidate, would be the worst-case scenario here for multiple reasons.
So the Colts are going to get another old QB that should probably retire within the next year or two. Cool cool cool
— Justin Bauerle (@justinbauerle) March 18, 2022
We are entering year six of the Ballard/Reich era and will be starting a fifth quarterback in 2022. Ryan is entering his age-37 season and has been on a slight decline after losing the Super Bowl back in the 2016 season.
Yes, Matty Ice is a former MVP, Super Bowl Contender, All-Pro, but that’s all in the past. Not every player can be Tom Brady and live forever in this league. The fact is Matt is going to retire sooner than later.
Do the Colts give up draft capital to get another quarterback that isn’t going to last? Ballard stated after the season that he wants a guy who will be in Indianapolis for 10-12 years. Has that changed all of a sudden?
The value of Matt Ryan in a trade
Indianapolis should not be investing a ton into getting Matt at this point. Ballard has to remember what he lost in the Carson Wentz trade originally. That cannot be another mistake in a trade for Ryan. If the trade is to happen, the Colts should not give up a single first or second-round draft pick.
Additionally, Indy should only be giving up two draft picks in total.
Don’t get me wrong here, Matt Ryan could be a really good player with a lot to prove in the AFC. He could lead the team to a 10 to 12-win season with the roster that is in Indianapolis. But he is not the future of the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts should be focusing on the draft and signing players to deals, not overpaying for an aging quarterback.
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