Matt Ryan‘s first season outside of Atlanta was a disappointment. The Colts benched the veteran QB, and he finished the season with a career-low 14 passing touchdowns and a 2.8 interception percentage, the worst mark since his sophomore campaign. Considering his underwhelming performance and Indy’s ability to pivot to the future at the position, many have wondered if Ryan could decide to hang up his cleats.
During a conversation with ESPN’s Stephen Holder, the 37-year-old acknowledged that he’s undecided on his future, although he did hint that he could still have something left in the tank.
“I still love playing,” Ryan said. “I’m obviously not committed to anything. Got to see how it shakes out. But I still love playing and still feel like, honestly, there’s a lot of good football [left]. So, we’ll see.”
As Holder notes, Ryan’s decision isn’t entirely up to him. The Colts still have the veteran under contract for next season, with $12MM of Ryan’s $29MM compensation already guaranteed. The quarterback could walk away whenever he wants, but it’s in his best interest to see how the Colts proceed. It would be in the Colts’ best financial interest to cut Ryan, which would save them a significant chunk of money. In that scenario, Ryan could still collect his guaranteed money before calling it a career.
“I’m under contract, and until that changes, you kind of go to work,” he said. “There’s a lot that’s going to happen here in the next six, eight weeks, whatever it is. Let’s see.”
On the flip side, the Colts may value Ryan’s veteran presence on the roster, especially if they opt for a top prospect in the draft. After the season, general manager Chris Ballard seemed to reinforce the quarterback’s value to the roster while noting that Ryan wasn’t to blame for the team’s 4-12-1 record.
“[This season] is not an indictment on Matt Ryan,” Ballard said. “Matt Ryan is as professional a player that I’ve ever been around. I still think he’s got something left in his body to play. He’s smart, knows how to play the game.”
Ryan to the 49ers on a cheapo veteran deal could make a ton of sense as placeholder/insurance/competition for the two injured youngsters. If nothing else, Shanahan just needs a QB who can get the ball out accurately, on time, and to the right guy. Ryan can’t do much of anything else at this point, but with those weapons, you barely need him to.
That’s a solid fit for player and team. I think Ryan would have a pretty good year in that system, and he may even be able to parlay that into another deal.
Hi Matt it’s over
Perhaps he has a future in Hollywood starring in Tom Clancy movies.
Draft a qb, ryan a backup
The guy is a hot heap of garbage. How could anyone, who watched what he did last season, want him on their team?! I’m pretty sure Atlanta is STILL in disbelief that the Colts gave up anything for him. All of that being said…I full expect Irsay to give him a fully guaranteed raise immediately following the hiring of Saturday.
$1 million as a backup QB due to his experience. Maybe with playing time incentives that the team prays he never reaches.