5 veteran QBs to consider if Cleveland Browns pull plug on Baker Mayfield
By Cory Kinnan
4. Matt Ryan
Dan Quinn is out as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, and while quarterback Matt Ryan is just three years removed from an MVP season and is strapped with $49 million in dead cap, he may be out the door as well. The Falcons may opt for Justin Fields or Trey Lance if given the chance in the 2021 NFL Draft, and look to get Ryan off their books as they would then enter a rebuild.
He’d be pricey, but if the Browns see themselves in win-now mode, then the investment into Ryan may be worth it in the eyes of this front office. Despite Atlanta’s struggles, Ryan has stayed the course this season, continuing to light up the scoreboard offensively for the Falcons. Through six games, Ryan has already passed for 1,843 yards, averaging 300 yards per game, with 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions on the season.
A significant upgrade over what the Browns are currently getting in Mayfield, Ryan would immediately demand the respect of his teammates and get the offense running at a high level. He is just 35 years old, so there is a chance to squeeze five to seven years out of Ryan before the end of his career. At the minimum, the Browns could turn Ryan’s way in the short term, draft a quarterback early, and let Ryan bridge the gap until the younger is ready to roll.