NFL Rumors on Matt Ryan, Falcons Discussing 'Significant' Role After Missing Playoffs

Matt Ryan reportedly could be coming back to the Atlanta Falcons.

Just not as a player.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported Sunday the Falcons have discussed a "significant role in the front office" with Ryan. The former quarterback is "seriously considering" the possibility during the ongoing talks.

Ryan is a Falcons legend from his time under center and was inducted into the franchise's Ring of Honor in 2024.

"Atlanta has become my home," he said during the induction ceremony. "You have become my extended family. … I will never have another job that I love as much as the one I had here."

The 40-year-old has worked as a broadcaster since retiring from the NFL, but this could be an opportunity for him to return home and rejoin the organization he loved playing for during his career.

Atlanta selected him with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2008 NFL draft, and he played 14 years for the organization. His resume included an Offensive Rookie of the Year, four Pro Bowl selections and 10 straight seasons with more than 4,000 passing yards from 2011 through 2020.

He also took home the league MVP in 2016 during that stretch and led the Falcons to the Super Bowl, where they ultimately fell short against the New England Patriots.

Atlanta has made the playoffs just once since that Super Bowl appearance and is playing out the string on what will be its eighth consecutive losing season.

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If Ryan is hired to the front office, he will be one of the people trusted to help turn things around moving forward as the Falcons look to reestablish themselves as an NFC contender like they were during his peak.

That could include making a decision on whether Michael Penix Jr. is the franchise quarterback of the future.

If hired, Ryan is someone who could provide unique insight into what it takes to succeed in that position and could work with Penix as the No. 8 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft attempts to live up to his potential.