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The Indianapolis Colts' search for a long-term quarterback continues after the release of veteran play-caller Matt Ryan. Make that three straight years the Colts were one-and-done at quarterback after Philip Rivers and Carson Wentz had their turns. Ryan's departure also means the Colts will have a different Week 1 quarterback for the seventh consecutive season come 2023.
The former Boston College standout finished the 2022 season with 3,057 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He also had 15 fumbles and an 83.9 passer rating, the second-worst clip in his career. He also led an offense that finished second-worst in points (17) and sixth-worst in total yards (311.6) per game. For now, Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger are the only quarterbacks left on the Colts' depth chart.
However, the franchise will likely select a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. They must rely on something other than another stopgap solution, and picking fourth overall increases their odds of landing a top prospect like C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Will Levis, or Anthony Richardson. As for Ryan, he still has some gas left in the tank to help another NFL team. Here are teams that can benefit from having the 2006 NFL Most Valuable Player.
Cleveland Browns
As of this writing, the Browns only have Deshaun Watson and Kellen Mond on their quarterback depth chart. It's not that Ryan will beat Watson for the starting role, but his wisdom can help the 2020 passing yards leader read the game better. If Watson fails to perform or gets injured, having a steady backup won't hurt the Browns, mainly because they are in one of the NFL's toughest divisions.
Ryan could also have benefitted from having a healthy Jonathan Taylor, who could have taken some of the burdens off him. Unfortunately, the running back from Wisconsin played in only 11 games, finishing with 861 yards. But in Cleveland, he will have Nick Chubb from the backfield. The Browns also have some financial wiggle room, given that they are close to $19 million under the cap.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers already went public about his intention to play for the New York Jets. But both sides must finalize a trade before that outcome pushes through. If it does, Jordan Love will finally have the opportunity to start after becoming Rodgers' understudy since 2020. Rodgers' transfer to New York will leave only Love and Danny Etling as the quarterbacks on Green Bay's roster.
Like in Cleveland, Ryan can mentor Love as he leads an offense with Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs. It's also enticing to know that the Packers allowed only 32 sacks in 2022, good for the seventh-best in the league. That stat will bode well for a pocket passer like Ryan, giving him more time to let plays develop.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders have moved on from Carson Wentz to save cap space. Now that they can start over behind center, Washington must put an offense with Brian Robinson Jr., Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Logan Thomas in the best position to win. Sam Howell is their projected starter, with Jacoby Brissett and Jake Fromm as backups.
Ryan can come in and compete with Howell for the starting role. If he doesn't get Ron Rivera's nod to be the starter, he will still be the top backup and can work wonders with a talent-laden offense. The Commanders will be drafting 16th in the opening round of the 2023 draft, and the top quarterback prospects will be gone by then. If Howell fails, Ryan can become a bridge option before going for a quarterback in 2024.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady's retirement left a massive void for the Super Bowl LV champions. They are trying to address the matter by having Baker Mayfield compete with Kyle Trask for the starting role. That competition is a toss-up, giving Todd Bowles a difficult time in deciding. Bringing in Ryan will raise the stakes by pushing both quarterbacks to deliver their best.
Even without Brady, the Buccaneers' offense is still an elite group with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Russell Gage. Their devoted fans would want that collection of talent to be used wisely, but their salary cap issues will make it difficult to land a top-dollar play-caller. Having Ryan in the fold can stabilize Tampa Bay's status as a playoff contender.
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