The Atlanta Falcons still aren’t trading quarterback Matt Ryan

Rumors surrounding the Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Matt Ryan have persisted early on this off-season despite the fact the Falcons have made it clear Ryan is their starting quarterback. Even if the Falcons haven’t clarified Ryan’s future Ryan’s cap situation shouldn’t leave any questions about what next season looks like for Matt Ryan.

Despite rumors that are likely to persist throughout the off-season now is not the time Atlanta is going to move off of Matt Ryan. Not only do they lack a clear target as a replacement they lack the cap space to make a trade work.

If Ryan is traded it ends any cap flexibility you have and your chances of winning games this season. Adopting a patient approach and looking at the possibility of drafting a quarterback behind Ryan is the move to make if you want to begin to look at the future.  The only scenario that Atlanta should entertain trading Ryan in is one that allows them to acquire one of the top quarterbacks on the market.

The Atlanta Falcons lack the cap space to make a trade work even if a top quarterback wanted to come to Atlanta

Forget the impossibility of Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson actively choosing to go to Atlanta and simply look at the money. Atlanta isn’t going to be able to get rid of Ryan and upgrade at the position. Trading or cutting Ryan results in a cap penalty that will leave Atlanta looking to find a bargain starter at the position.

If Atlanta cannot upgrade but can still look at the future with Ryan on the roster why would they entertain moving him? Arthur Smith isn’t an established coach and could be coaching for his job in year two with how quickly the coaching carousel moves these days.  Atlanta is a team that needs to win as many games as possible and show growth next season.

Moving off of Matt Ryan accomplishes what for Atlanta? If the Falcons draft a rookie quarterback he is certainly better served to spend time sitting behind Ryan and learning the offense.  If Atlanta were to attempt to replace Ryan with a veteran they would have to move on from Matt leaving them with enough cap space to sign who?

Choosing an obvious downgrade and deciding to win fewer games next season is what trading Matt Ryan would result in. For a franchise attempting to turn itself in the right direction that isn’t going to happen. Ryan will remain the Falcons quarterback for at least another season, a season that could be Ryan’s last in Atlanta.