Matt Ryan Trade Rumors: Falcons Fielded Calls Recently Ahead of Contract Deadline

The Atlanta Falcons have reportedly "fielded trade calls" about quarterback Matt Ryan in recent days, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Rapoport later reported the Indianapolis Colts have emerged as the "most likely landing spot."

The team will likely make a decision by Monday at 4 p.m. ET, when Ryan is scheduled to earn a $7.5 million roster bonus. If he is not moved by the deadline, he will likely stay with the Falcons for the 2022 season.

The roster bonus was initially supposed to be guaranteed Friday, but the team delayed it while attempting to trade for former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Watson was instead traded to the Cleveland Browns.

The organization reportedly kept Ryan informed during its pursuit of Watson with an open line of communication, per Schefter. After failing to land him, the Falcons reportedly wanted to make Ryan "feel wanted," according to Rapoport.

The 2016 MVP has spent his entire 14-year career in Atlanta, missing just three starts. He has four Pro Bowl selections on his resume and finished last season just 32 passing yards short of his 11th straight year with 4,000 yards.

Atlanta still finished just 7-10 last year, its fourth straight season with a losing record. 

The Falcons could start fresh by dealing their 36-year-old franchise quarterback who has a $48.7 million cap hit in 2022, the highest mark in the NFL.

Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported the Seattle Seahawks have made calls to the Falcons about Ryan.

A trade still wouldn't help Atlanta financially, however. Per Spotrac, the team would be left with $40.5 million in dead cap after a trade.

With a draft class that is generally considered weak at quarterback, the Falcons' best option might be hanging on to Ryan for another year.