Atlanta Falcons shouldn’t consider a reunion with Matt Ryan

The Atlanta Falcons clearly need to add a reliable veteran behind Desmond Ridder this off-season. Former franchise quarterback Matt Ryan is likely to become a free agent with the Colts needing to free up cap space and Matt Ryan’s first season with the team ending in disaster.

If Ryan doesn’t get the chance to start in the 2023 season there is zero question he will be one of the top backups in the league. Despite this, there isn’t any reason for the Falcons to consider a reunion this soon after parting ways with the franchise legend.

Atlanta needs to be focused on finding their quarterback of the future whether it that is Desmond Ridder or a move that is yet to be made. Bringing Ryan back even as a backup would make it far more difficult to evaluate Ridder.

Matt Ryan’s time with the Falcons is over the veteran was on a bad contract and didn’t fit Arthur Smith’s offense. This isn’t to disrespect what Matt has accomplished in this league or what he means to a franchise in which he is clearly their best quarterback of all time.

It is this that would make bringing Ryan back so difficult and confusing. It isn’t the same scenario as bringing back Julio Jones another franchise great who meant a lot to this fanbase. Ridder needs to be able to step into the starting role with nothing but support behind him not a player with Matt Ryan’s history in Atlanta.

Perhaps Ryan will sign a contract to retire an Atlanta Falcon unless that is happening this off-season, however, signing Matt cannot be an option for a team that has made their decision and must continue to focus on moving forward attempting to replace the former franchise quarterback.