Matt Ryan explains Falcons exit, says Colts were first option he explored

Matt Ryan had been with the Atlanta Falcons for his whole profession till earlier this month, when the group traded him to the Indianapolis Colts.

Ryan defined to NFL author Peter King in his “Soccer Morning in America” column on Monday he obtained a name from Falcons head coach Arthur Smith in regards to the group’s intentions of buying Deshaun Watson earlier than the quarterback was finally traded to the Cleveland Browns.

He advised King he thought he was going to be again with the Falcons for the 2022 season.

“No, , I actually thought I used to be going to be again. That was the sensation I bought on the finish of the yr and within the exit conferences. Then it was a cellphone name from [coach] Arthur Smith, Sunday at the beginning went down, saying that he didn’t understand how issues had been gonna shake out this week, making me conscious of what was occurring,” Ryan stated. “And I appreciated it. He was trustworthy. At that time, it was kinda wrapping your head round that. There’s disappointment and frustration for certain that units in at that time.”

Ryan stated he advised group proprietor Arthur Clean about doubtlessly searching for different choices earlier than the commerce to the Colts was accomplished.

FRANK REICH SAYS MATT RYAN, COLTS ‘NEEDED EACH OTHER’

Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 22, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Bobby Ellis/Getty Photos)

“I believe it was let’s see the way it shakes out first. And so no choices had been off the desk. The one manner you may determine that out is to have a look into what the opposite conditions are,” he stated. “It turned clear when Deshaun didn’t come, it was on me to allow them to know that I needed to hunt different choices. I advised [owner] Arthur Clean that and he was nice about it. The primary one I needed to discover was Indianapolis. I believe the mindset actually modified after the assembly that I had with Chris Ballard and Frank Reich.”

Ryan was the No. 3 total choose of the Falcons within the 2008 NFL Draft and has been the beginning quarterback ever since. He’s solely missed a handful of video games throughout his stable profession. He helped Atlanta to its second-ever Tremendous Bowl look throughout the 2016 season, however the group misplaced to the New England Patriots in brutal style – a second-half comeback after Atlanta had been up 28-3.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan holds his new jersey following a press convention on the NFL group’s follow facility in Indianapolis, Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
(AP Photograph/Michael Conroy)

Atlanta, after buying and selling Julio Jones and dropping Calvin Ridley in the midst of the season, completed 7-10 final yr. Ryan completed the season with 3,968 passing yards, 20 landing passes and 12 interceptions.

He’ll have some extra weapons on offense throughout the 2022 season.

The Colts have operating again Jonathan Taylor at their disposal in addition to younger vast receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell, who must be coming back from harm later this season.