Yahoo Autos Colts GM Chris Ballard addressed Matt Ryan's future with the team
INDIANAPOLIS -- As the Colts meet with the top quarterback prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine and start to build out their draft board, they still have a quarterback under contract who is set to make $35.2 million in 2023.
Matt Ryan remains the question hanging in the air for general manager Chris Ballard and new coach Shane Steichen as momentum builds toward a likely quarterback selection with the No. 4 pick in the draft.
"We'll work through it with Shane. We'll work through it," Ballard said. "We're just getting the staff settled. We'll start working through things next week."
Ryan has one more year on the contract the Colts traded with the Falcons for last offseason, and timing on it is key. On March 17, the entire $35.2 million remaining salary will guarantee, whereas the Colts can save $17.2 million if they cut him before then.
The four-time Pro Bowler and 2016 MVP is turning 38 in May and is coming off the worst season of his career, throwing 14 touchdowns with 13 interceptions and 15 fumbles. He separated his throwing shoulder and was benched twice as the Colts finished 4-12-1.
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That record dropped them to the No. 4 pick in this year's draft, which contains four quarterback prospects expected to go in the first round in Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Kentucky's Will Levis and Florida's Anthony Richardson.
Depending on the one they select, the Colts could be in the market for a bridge quarterback to start until the rookie is ready to play. That could be Ryan, whom teammates lauded for his professionalism and leadership last year. But they could also go for a younger and cheaper option such as Gardner Minshew, Andy Dalton, Marcus Mariota or Jacoby Brissett.
Ryan said at the end of the season that he still believed he had something left to offer a team.
“I still love playing,” Ryan said. “Obviously, I’m not committed to anything here, wherever. I’ve got to see how it shakes out. But I still love playing. Honestly, I still feel like there’s a lot of good football left in my body.”
Contact Colts insider Nate Atkins at natkins@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @NateAtkins_.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts GM Chris Ballard addressed Matt Ryan's future with the team
