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As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to send Ben Roethlisberger into retirement, they also need to find a new quarterback to welcome in. Matt Ryan, a veteran quarterback on the mediocre Atlanta Falcons, makes sense as a replacement for Roethlisberger. He could serve as a respectable field general for a few years and allow Pittsburgh to stay competitive while the franchise looks for a long-term option.
Falcons coach Arhut Smith, though, isn't having it. He has made it clear to the franchise's general manager and owner that he still wants Ryan under center.
Anyone trying to move Matt Ryan to Pittsburgh as Ben Roethlisberger’s successor can put that speculation to rest.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith wanted Ryan to return when he took the job & he has made it clear to owner Arthur Blank and GM Terry Fontenot that Ryan is his QB for 2022— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 9, 2022
The Falcons, coming into Week 18 with a 7-9 record and eliminated from the playoffs, are certainly in need of a rebuild. Although Ryan has praised Kyle Pitts, the rookie sensation and Pro Bowler, and journeyman breakout star Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta doesn't seem to be going anywhere. They were terrible on offense and defense and have the point differential of a team with a much worse record.
The Steelers would suit Ryan well. They have intriguing, young supporting pieces like running back Najee Harris and wide receiver Dionte Johnson. Pittsburgh also has the potential to be a solid defense behind superstar linebacker T.J. Watt. It doesn't look like the longtime Falcons quarterback will join them right now, though.
Ryan is under contract with the Falcons for two more seasons. Smith doesn't have control of the roster but he has it clear to general manager Terr Fontenot who he prefers to have next season. While Fontenot doesn't have to honor his request, moving on from Ryan would be tough, as he has been a Falcon since 2008.
