In an offseason that has already seen numerous quarterback changes, the Indianapolis Colts are now in on the carousel: They’ve traded a third-round pick for Matt Ryan after they sent Carson Wentz packing a few weeks ago to Washington.
The Falcons, in turn, have signed Marcus Mariota as Ryan’s successor.
The 2016 NFL MVP was drafted third overall by the Falcons in 2008 and had spent the entirety of his career in the A-T-L. In 222 games, Ryan, 36, has thrown for nearly 60,000 passing yards and 367 TDs. The 2016 ended, of course, with Atlanta’s infamous 28-3 collapse in the Super Bowl to Tom Brady and the Patriots.
“He is one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league and has spearheaded numerous fourth-quarter, game-winning drives,” Colts head coach Frank Reich said. “Matt will be a fantastic representative for our organization, and I’m excited to get to work with him and the rest of the team this offseason.”
“He has represented this organization with great class, professionalism, and leadership, both on and off the field, over the past 14 years,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said. “It is difficult to overstate what he has meant to me personally, our organization, his teammates, and our fans.
“From his first day in the building, Matt has given his all in the pursuit of winning a championship for Atlanta. His arrival in 2008 instantly made us a contender in the NFC and he’s been our quarterback through the most successful era in Falcons history.”
Mariota—the second overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Titans, a team with which he spent five seasons—signed a two-year deal with the Falcons after his stint with the Raiders ended last season.
