“Matt Ryan is not going Anywhere”

NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero is reporting that the Atlanta Falcons have not entertained any trade talk for 35 year old quarterback Matt Ryan.

Ryan’s salary cap hit should he be moved would be a hindrance next year. Ryan is coming off another productive season with the Falcons, so a trade always seemed to be a long shot. 

But it’s not just Ryan who Pelissero is sure about staying.

“The Falcons have not had any trade conversations with any other team about Ryan or their star wide receiver Julio Jones,” Pelissero said on NFL Network. 

Moving Ryan and Jones without salary cap implications could bring significant pieces to rebuilding the Falcons aging roster, but both players are still talents that could thrive under new head coach Arthur Smith. 

This isn’t to say the Falcons still won’t look at a long term replacement for Ryan in this year’s NFL Draft should the right opportunity present itself. There are as many as five quarterbacks rated higher in the 2021 class than any coming out of college next season.