Matt Ryan is likely no longer a quarterback option for the Broncos

The Denver Broncos are looking everywhere to find an upgrade at the quarterback position. Last year’s starter, Drew Lock, is too injury prone and turns the ball over too much to rely on going forward. If the team wants to get back on the winning track, then improved quarterback play is needed.

Instead of having no “plan B,” as former general manager John Elway said years ago, the Broncos need to have a B, C, D, E, F, G, etc. plan for the quarterback position. Basically, the Broncos must look everywhere for all possible options.

One possible option for the Broncos is Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Matt Ryan. The Falcons have a new regime in place, and there’s a chance that they will move on from Ryan this offseason. He may not be the best option for the Broncos, but the team needs to consider him as an upgrade over Lock.

I’ve learned some things about Ryan over the last week. I’ll share the intel I’ve come across here.

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Broncos Country Desperate

There is no doubt this is a low point for the franchise. Super Bowl 50 was just five years ago, but it might as well have been 50 years ago with the downward spiral this team has been on.

The fans are desperate for quarterback help. The team is said to be a “sleeping giant” by new GM George Paton, but to wake them up, it will take improved quarterback play – not by a little but by a significant margin. That means a quarterback change would be for the best.

The fans may be frothing at the mouth for a new quarterback. Paton and the front office will be aggressive, but not reckless. I’m sure that Paton will look over what it would take to get Ryan to the Mile High City. He might not look long or be a big fan of adding Ryan, but he is looking to improve the roster if the price is right.

I've had several fans in #BroncosCountry reach out to chat about Matt Ryan being an option for Denver. Unlikely to happen if Mr. Blank has his way. @1043TheFan

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) February 1, 2021

So, why is Blank so bullish on Ryan? The veteran is not in the prime of his career, and there will be dozens of options if you combine quarterbacks available in free agency and the draft.

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Still Bitter

Blank still is not over the Super Bowl loss the Falcons suffered at the hands of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 51. With a lead in the fourth quarter, the Falcons let the game slip away in what was a miraculous comeback by the Patriots. It was a shocking end for the Falcons, and many things have changed since then – mainly Kyle Shanahan left the team and went to be the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

One thing that hasn’t changed is Ryan’s presence as the starter. The team used to have a nice running back duo in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman to complement Ryan, but those guys are now gone. The Falcons have relied more on Ryan in recent years, and his play has not made the team a Super Bowl contender.

From #Falcons team sources. During GM interviews, Arthur Blank bristled at trading Matt Ryan/rebuilding. Doing a rebuild is tough for him to accept. They said he still hasn't gotten over SB loss. Ultimately though, Blank said it will be up to the new GM and coach. @1043TheFan

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) February 1, 2021

Who gets to make the call for the Falcons, and what will that be? Blank is a very powerful owner and one of the most well-respected men in the NFL. He’s passionate about football, but Blank does not overstep his bounds with the Falcons.

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Fontenot Show

The Broncos interviewed Terry Fontenot when they were searching for a new GM. He’s known as a bright mind who understands relationships and has an eye for talent. Fontenot did not get the Broncos job, but was always pegged for the Falcons gig instead. He’ll craft the team in his image and decide what is best for the Falcons going forward.

There’s a good chance that Fontenot will seriously consider selecting a quarterback like Justin Fields (Ohio State) in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s a player with the upside to be a franchise quarterback, but there are some in the scouting community who feel like Fields needs some time to develop. A new general manager and a new head coach (Arthur Smith) may not be ready to dive in headfirst with a rookie quarterback as the starter.

That’s why keeping Ryan is a viable option for the Falcons. I’ve learned that while Blank is bullish about keeping Ryan, he will ultimately let the decision fall to Fontenot.

Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot have made a history of emphasizing offensive lines, so Penei Sewell could be in play here.

But, Atlanta takes Justin Fields here. He can sit behind Matt Ryan for a time and get comfortable in Smith’s offense.#RiseUpATL pic.twitter.com/2EgEh77a8v

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 2, 2021

If the Falcons do draft Fields to groom behind Ryan, then it’s likely the young quarterback will take over in 2022. That means if you’re a Broncos fan and you really wanted Ryan, then you’re probably a year premature.

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Summary

It looks like Ryan will be sticking with the Falcons. Things could change, but we could see him with the team for one more season before they move on.

While he would be an upgrade over Lock, the Broncos can do better than forcing a trade or overpaying for a veteran quarterback who is not the player he used to be.

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