The Indianapolis Colts made a surprising move on Monday by announcing they are releasing veteran quarterback Matt Ryan. This decision now opens up the possibility for the Colts to select a new quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Despite having a solid season in 2020 with a career-high passer rating of 99.4, Ryan has struggled to produce consistent results throughout his career. His age and declining performance made him the odd man out in a crowded quarterback room in Indianapolis.
Without Ryan on the roster, the Colts now have a clear path to selecting a quarterback in the draft. The team currently holds the 21st pick in the first round, which could provide them with an opportunity to nab a promising young signal-caller.
One potential option for the Colts could be Alabama quarterback Mac Jones. Jones had a highly productive season in 2020, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns while leading the Crimson Tide to a National Championship. He has been consistently mocked to the Colts in recent mock drafts.
Another option for the Colts could be Florida quarterback Kyle Trask. Trask had a fantastic season in 2020, throwing for 4,283 yards and 43 touchdowns while leading the Gators to an 8-4 record. He is a projected second-round pick in this year’s draft.
The Colts also have the option to trade up in the draft if they have their sights set on a specific quarterback. However, with the uncertainty surrounding the top quarterbacks in this year’s class, it remains to be seen if the Colts will be able to find their franchise quarterback in this draft.
Regardless of who the Colts ultimately select, the decision to release Ryan was a necessary one. The team now has the opportunity to move forward with a young, promising quarterback who can lead them to success for years to come.
The Colts have a solid foundation in place, with a talented defense and a strong offensive line. If they can find the right quarterback in the draft, they could be serious contenders in the AFC for years to come. The release of Ryan was the first step in that process.
