The Atlanta Falcons are in the midst of one of their biggest battles with the New Orleans Saints. Their on-field fights have been memorable and full of bad blood. Now, though, they are fighting off the field in an attempt to land Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans.
The NFC South rivals are the last two teams standing in the race for the three-time Pro Bowler. They are both making moves in an attempt to land Watson, who would signify a massive upgrade at the quarterback spot. Even though Matt Ryan has been the Falcons' star quarterback for well over a decade, both sides are preparing for his departure.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Falcons and Ryan agreed to a restructure on his contract that gives the Falcons flexibility and allows Ryan more time to seek trades. The roster bonus that Ryan was due has been pushed back a few days.
Just a reminder: Falcons and Matt Ryan agreed to push back the $7.5 million roster bonus due to the Atlanta QB today until Tuesday, giving Ryan four extra days to vet his trade options, per sources. pic.twitter.com/VzZBL9S4q5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
The Falcons have been in communication with Ryan as they negotiate with the Texans. Ryan's time with Atlanta will eventually have to come to an end. With a quarterback of such a high caliber on the market and Ryan approaching age 37, it seems likely that it will occur very soon. Fortunately, Ryan is still a very solid quarterback who could get a starting gig somewhere else.
With the Saints opening nearly $30 million in cap space and the Falcons allowing their franchise quarterback to seek trades, both teams are preparing for the arrival of Watson.
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