Shortly after making an unanticipated move, the Colts will follow through with a long-expected item on their offseason to-do list. They are cutting Matt Ryan, Zach Klein of WSB reports (on Twitter).
[RELATED: Colts To Trade Stephon Gilmore To Cowboys]
The Ryan release will create $17.2MM in Colts cap savings. Between this and the Stephon Gilmore trade, Indianapolis has freed up more than $27MM in cap space Tuesday afternoon. While GM Chris Ballard said last year the plan was for Ryan to start multiple seasons, the passer’s 2022 performance leaves his career at a crossroads.
That 2022 performance had more lowlights than highlights, with Ryan finding himself in and out of the starting lineup. When all was said and done, the Colts went 4-7-1 in Ryan’s 12 starts, with the 37-year-old tossing a career-low 14 touchdowns vs. 13 interceptions. The Colts only gave up a third-round pick to acquire the former MVP from the Falcons, but the team was still expecting more from the position.
After getting underwhelming results from veterans like Ryan and Carson Wentz in recent years, it wouldn’t be a shock if the Colts look towards the future. Veteran Nick Foles and former sixth rounder Sam Ehlinger are still on the roster, but it’s unlikely that either QB will be given a long look in 2023.
As for Ryan, the QB will have a difficult time finding a starting gig as a free agent. There were some signs of life in 2022; Ryan’s 67% completion percentage was still on-par with his prime. However, his interception percentage and QBR were among the worst of his career, and with no upside, potential suitors would surely just be eyeing Ryan as a backup and/or mentor. There’s a chance Ryan could also decide to hang up his cleats after playing 15 years in the NFL.
It’s uncertain what’s next for the quarterback, but he’s still entitled to a chunk of money. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter), Ryan’s agent negotiated a new contract as part of his trade to Indianapolis. Thanks to that move, Ryan is entitled to $12MM in guaranteed money for the 2023 campaign, and he’ll receive that money regardless of whether he continues playing or not.
Surprised it took them this long.
Career OVER
You sure showed him.
Who is supposed to play QB for the Colts next year?
Probably the rookie they’re gonna draft at 4
Better hope that rookie is ready. Day one rookie QB starters are usually quickly ruined. In the end, talent wasted and along with top four pick.
And Mason Rudolph
Thanks. That’s the info I was looking for. Mason Rudolph is a perfectly acceptable spot starter. Maybe better if he’s improved his mental game.
I’m guessing they’ll find a better veteran backup/bridge than Rudolph. Brissett, for instance.
Perfectly acceptable? I suppose. Best bridge option available? Not even close.
Swerve! Clearing space for A-Rod. /s
Lamar
A couple bridge options are still available in Teddy Bridgewater and Gardner Minshew
Tyrod?
I wouldn’t be surprised if he could still operate Shanahan’s offense decently, but he certainly looked pretty well done last year—albeit especially before the line got its act together a little more.
If this is it for him, great career. Maybe not a top tier guy or Hall of Famer, but an esteemed first ballot inductee to the Hall of Very Good.
They’re in the perfect setup for a qb pickup and the cap. Foles gets the nod and draft the top qb on the board. No reason to panic.
Ditch Trubisky and sign Ryan to a 2yr, $10m deal to mentor Kenny Pickett… Steelers could do a lot worse at the backup QB role than this
In my mind I thought the Colts did this months ago, but to be fair I’m sure they decided on this move months go.
Amazing that a team can just throw $12 million to the wind. For that kind of money wouldn’t you at least want to let him throw to your practice squad receivers?
If he was able to do that well he’d still be with the team. His career isn’t over yet anyway…there’s still the Jets.
Bring in Baker on a 1 year prove it deal. let the rookie sit?