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5 Moves the Atlanta Falcons could make to convince Ryan to stay

By Nick Halden

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 19: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 19: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Falcons
May 14, 2021; Flowery Branch, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield (77) lines up for a play during rookie camp at the Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Replace Jalen Mayfield with even a marginal upgrade

Atlanta can sign almost any guard in free agency or draft a guard within the first four rounds and likely find an upgrade. Is there any scenario that you bring Matt Ryan back and line Jalen Mayfield in front of him again? The guard had one of the worst rookie seasons any offensive guard has had in recent memory. If he were on a team with a front office that had any intention of contending he would have been benched or replaced.

This off-season Atlanta has to bring in competition for Mayfield at the very least. If they aren’t willing to give up on the guard after a terrible rookie season they must at least apply pressure. Bringing in a cheap veteran or a late-round pick and allowing the team a chance at finding an upgrade.

Defensive lines were abusing Mayfield last season and Ryan suffered far too much punishment due to the guard’s inability to consistently block. If they hope to bring Ryan back they need to convince the quarterback they are willing to improve the offensive line and give him a chance to push the ball down the field.

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