Around the NFL Writer
A decision on Matt Ryan‘s future in Atlanta will come today.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday morning that the Falcons have fielded trade calls the past few days centered around the former MVP quarterback, per sources informed of the situation.
Today marks the deadline for a decision on Ryan, who will earn a $7.5 million roster bonus if he’s still part of the team at 4 p.m. ET.
The quarterback’s roster bonus was initially due Friday, but he agreed to push back the due date to Tuesday when the Falcons were amid their pursuit of Deshaun Watson. With Watson landing in Cleveland, Atlanta must now determine their next course of action.
Rapoport reported during NFL NOW that the Indianapolis Colts would be the most likely landing spot for Ryan, and the two teams have been in talks for a potential deal.
The bonus being due on Tuesday means that if Ryan is on the roster today at 4 p.m. ET, the Falcons will pay it. The Falcons and Colts, however, have made progress in their trade discussions, according to Rapoport, and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo added that many around the league would be surprised if a trade doesn’t happen.
So Atlanta’s choices are to trade Ryan and take on a big dead-money cap hit, or he’ll be back with the only club he’s known in 14 years in the NFL.
Rapoport added that the Falcons could add a sweetener to Ryan’s contract after he accommodated their dalliance with Watson. Adding more sweetness to a deal already counting $48.67 million against the salary cap in 2022 would be akin to dunking three Girl Scouts cookies into a vat of chocolate syrup. But given how professionally Ryan handled the past few weeks, he’d deserve a little added cash for his troubles.
Feleipe Franks is the only other QB on the roster, so if the Falcons were to trade Ryan, it would leave a massive hole along with the big dead-money cap hit.
Leonard Fournette is returning to Tampa Bay on a three-year, $21 million deal. The RB had visited the Patriots on Monday, but is now back with Tom Brady and company.
After three roller-coaster seasons in Denver, former second-round pick Drew Lock said he went into the offseason expecting change. Change came in a trade that brought Russell Wilson to Denver and shipped Lock and a boatload of other assets back to Seattle, where he’s currently the presumptive starter.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht was asked Monday if there’s potential for a Tom Brady extension to free up additional salary cap space. The GM let it be known there were plans in the works, but other than that kept said plans close to his vest.
The Packers re-signed tight end Robert Tonyan, the team announced Monday.
Rams coach Sean McVay entered the 2021 offseason in search of a reliable upgrade at quarterback, and found it in Matthew Stafford, who helped throw the Rams to their first Super Bowl triumph since the 1999 season. Stafford’s extension ensures McVay will enjoy such dependability for years to come.
Safety Jayron Kearse is re-signing with the Cowboys on a two-year deal worth $10 million with a max value of $11 million, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
On the same day they traded away Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts, the Atlanta Falcons are signing quarterback Marcus Mariota to a two-year deal, the team announced.
New Orleans is re-signing quarterback Jameis Winston to a two-year, $28 million contract with $21 million in guarantees, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
The quarterback carousel kept spinning Monday, as the Colts acquired Matt Ryan. The QB’s former teammates in Atlanta, his future teammates in Indianapolis and others around the league reacted to the move.
Indianapolis is acquiring veteran QB Matt Ryan from Atlanta for a third-round pick in the 2022 draft, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero.
Chris Godwin recently signed a new three-year contract to stay with the Buccaneers. The veteran receiver said Monday that Tom Brady’s return to Tampa changes everything for a team back in Super Bowl-mode.
Baltimore’s utility man is staying in Charm City. The Ravens agreed Monday to a three-year deal with fullback Patrick Ricard. Plus, the Giants added a RB, and a veteran QB returned to Buffalo.
Get exclusive access to the offseason for $9.99
Go behind the scenes and watch the offseason like never before.
© 2022 NFL Enterprises LLC. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. NFL footage © NFL Productions LLC.