After trading Carson Wentz, the Indianapolis Colts finally got a new starting quarterback in Matt Ryan.
The former league MVP will be the sixth Week 1 starter for the Colts since 2017 and the team’s fans hope that his arrival will help them return to the playoffs.
Ryan’s postseason experience will come in handy if ever Indianapolis gets over the hump.
As a result of the trade from the Atlanta Falcons, the Colts will owe Ryan $54 million over the next two seasons.
That’s a good price for a decent starter, considering that reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers is averaging $50 million a year on his new contract.
However, there’s a brief moment wherein Ryan to the Colts may not have happened.
NFL reporter Dov Kleiman revealed that Indianapolis was making a push for another quarterback.
Prior to trading for Matt Ryan on Monday, the #Colts were interested in Jameis Winston and were sending a jet to him in order to host him for a visit, according to @nick_underhill
Winston ended up back with the #Saints after the Ryan trade.https://t.co/pzuDEhEWs2 pic.twitter.com/5HAPXiR5FP
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 22, 2022
Kleiman said, “Prior to trading for Matt Ryan on Monday, the #Colts were interested in Jameis Winston and were sending a jet to him in order to host him for a visit, according to @nick_underhill. Winston ended up back with the #Saints after the Ryan trade.”
Winston led the New Orleans Saints to a 5-2 record before an abrupt end to his season due to an ACL tear.
However, he ended up returning to the Saints on a two-year deal.
Short-Term Stability For Indianapolis
It’s hard to see Ryan being a long-term solution for the Colts because his best years are behind him.
He can still play and will lead the Colts to victories given the talent that is surrounding him.
However, he’s not at the top tier of quarterbacks anymore.
Still, his stint with the Colts gives them a solid starter for at least two seasons.
By then, they should be targeting their franchise quarterback as well.
NEXT: NFL Insider Highlights String Of Wild Colts' Offseasons
