Matt Ryan would come to the Chicago Bears with Super Bowl experience.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is 35 years old. This is it for him. Atlanta is headed for a rebuild under new head coach Arthur Smith, and Ryan should be given the privilege to compete for a Super Bowl at least one more time.
This is a quarterback who has been at the helm of some prolific offenses over the years but has never quite been able to get over that hump. Losing a Super Bowl in devastating fashion a few years ago, Ryan would love another opportunity at the coveted Lombardi Trophy. For an aging quarterback, though, how far are the Bears willing to push a potential trade package?
The key for the Bears in a deal for a 35-year-old quarterback is not completely mortgaging this year’s draft capital. They’re already without a fourth-rounder, so giving up that No. 20 overall selection should be enough for 2021.
However, looking at next year’s draft, the Falcons would also get a third and sixth-round pick from the Bears, who would be able to keep picks in the first and second round — something they haven’t been able to do in recent years.
Is Ryan worth such a haul? If it means he and these Bears can make a serious run at a Super Bowl this coming season, you bet. However, if age catches up to Ryan and his production dips, this could be a tough trade to look back on. The cost for Ryan should be less than the Stafford deal as Ryan is three years older and comes with a more difficult salary cap to absorb.