After Matt Ryan’s performance in the Indianapolis Colts’ 19-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, in which Ryan completed 33 of 44 passes for 243 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, three sacks, and a passer rating of 76.2, head coach Frank Reich, general manager Chris Ballard, and team owner Jim Irsay had apparently had their fill of the veteran quarterback. Adding in the fact that Ryan is now suffering from a Grade 2 shoulder sprain, the decision was made to bench Ryan for the rest of the 2022 season, and start second-year sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger in his place.
It’s a radical move for a veteran quarterback, especially factoring in that the Colts traded for Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons in March. Whether he plays in 2023 or not, the remainder of Ryan’s contract has him with a total 2022 cap hit of $18,705,882, and a total 2023 cap hit of $35,205,882. The Colts can mess with Ryan’s contract next season — there’s a $10 million roster bonus if he is on the roster at the start of the new league year, but there’s also an $18 million dead cap number next year.
