On Mar. 21, 2022, the Atlanta Falcons agreed to trade away longtime starting quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2022 third round draft pick.

Ryan was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Falcons back in the 2008 NFL draft. In his 14 seasons with the team, he threw for over 59,000 yards and 367 touchdowns. Ryan received the NFL’s MVP award in 2016 after throwing for over 4,900 yards, 38 touchdowns and leading the Falcons to a Superbowl appearance. 

Colts general manager, Chris Ballard is very happy with the new addition of Matt Ryan. He believes that Ryan will complement the Colts roster in a positive way. 

“We are thrilled we had a chance to acquire a proven veteran in Matt Ryan who brings tremendous experience to our team,” said Ballard via Espn.com. “ Matts leadership and skillset will complement our roster’s growth and success. He’s long been a great ambassador for the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons, and we are excited he can continue his accomplished career in Indianapolis.”

The Colts have been looking for a long-term answer at the quarterback position ever since Andrew Luck surprisingly retired back in 2019. They have now acquired three different quarterbacks in three straight offseasons. During the 2020 offseason, the Colts signed Phillip Rivers to a 1-year deal. Rivers threw for 24 touchdowns and led the Colts to a playoff appearance, before losing to the Buffalo Bills 27-24. This was Rivers’s final game in the NFL, as he announced his retirement later in the offseason. The Colts were left, yet again, with a hole at the quarterback position. After weeks of discussion, the Colts decided to trade for former MVP quarterback Carson Wentz. Wentz threw for over 3,500 yards and 27 touchdowns this past season, leading the Colts to a 9-8 record and narrowly missing out on the playoffs. 

The Atlanta Falcons were quick to sign their replacement at the quarterback position. They agreed on a 2-year contract with former Heisman trophy winner Marcus Mariota. Mariota was the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. He has a good relationship with Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, as the two of them both spent time together with the Tennessee Titans.

This trade puts the Colts in playoff contention as they acquire a proven winner who has the leadership skills needed to win a Superbowl.