Matt Ryan, Colts Haven't Discussed Possible Trade Ahead of Deadline, per Frank Reich

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich told reporters Monday that he hasn't spoken to Matt Ryan about the possibility of a trade before Tuesday's deadline.

Last week, Reich announced that the team planned to roll out Sam Ehlinger as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.

"We are going to make a significant change to the starting lineup," Reich told reporters last week. "We are going to elevate Sam to be the starting quarterback. Extremely difficult decision, obviously, given the respect and admiration we have for Matt Ryan and what he's done and what he's brought here. He's a pro's pro. This guy is special, special, special."

Ryan had been dealing with a Grade 2 shoulder separation and was already scheduled to be out for Sunday's 17-16 loss to the Washington Commanders. But Reich confirmed that the decision to move Ehlinger to the starting role wasn't a temporary one.

"Just feel like, at this point, that's the best decision for our team going forward," Reich said.

Because the Colts also have veteran Nick Foles on the roster as a capable backup if Ehlinger gets hurt, Ryan is expendable for the Colts and would make sense as a potential trade chip if an interested team comes calling.

Granted, Ryan's 2022 season hasn't gone to plan. The 37-year-old has been poor, throwing for 2,008 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions in seven games, completing 68.4 percent of his passes. The team went 3-3-1 in his starts, but his turnover issues had become untenable.

"Our poor production on offense is not on one person—it's not on Matt Ryan—but we also know, as Matt and I talked it through, as head coach and quarterback," Reich told reporters last week. "As head coach, ultimately it doesn't matter, I'm judged on wins and losses. Quarterback's judged on points and production and turnovers. We understand that's how it is in this league."

Given his play, it's hard to imagine a vibrant market developing for his services, though teams in need of a veteran backup might have interest. For now, however, it appears as though he'll remain in Indianapolis.