Rumors that quarterback Matt Ryan could return to the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders aren’t going away. In fact, they’re even popping up at the signal caller’s new workplace.
CBS Sports’ John Breech included Ryan on a list of four potential quarterbacks for the Raiders. Of course, this assumed Jimmy Garoppolo won’t be able to play because of his foot injury.
In no particular order, Ryan was among four free agent signal callers on Breech’s list. The other three were Tom Brady, Carson Wentz and Teddy Bridgewater.
“The former NFL MVP is now working with us here at CBS Sports and although he’s not retired, the Raiders would probably have to make an extremely generous contract offer to lure him back to the NFL,” wrote Breech.
Breech isn’t the only analyst to suggest Ryan signing with the Raiders. But this is particularly noteworthy because both Breech and Ryan work at CBS.
Just two days before Breech’s article, BETOnline ranked Ryan with the third-best odds of starting Week 1 for the Raiders if it’s not Garoppolo behind center.
On June 1, Tom Brady told SINow host Robin Lundberg in an interview that he’s “certain” that he won’t play again. Brady could always change his mind, but for now, NFL fans can eliminate him from the list of possible Garoppolo replacements.
A report from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio began the chatter of other quarterback options for Las Vegas. Florio reported a clause in Garoppolo’s contract stipulates that the Raiders won’t have to pay any of his $11.25 million signing bonus until he passes a physical.
Garoppolo reportedly failed his physical when signing with the Raiders because of his foot injury from last season. Until he passes a physical, the Raiders can release Garoppolo without paying him a dime.
While Ryan accepted a job at CBS Sports to be an NFL analyst, he hasn’t ruled out a return. But he did say it would have to be the right fit.
“All the stars would have to [align],” Ryan said on SiriusXM NFL Radio on May 17. “I’ve just learned, at least during my experience in the 15 years I’ve played, to just not shut any doors. That’s really the decision behind that.”
