Patriots: 3 unexpected veteran QBs Pats could target for 2021

2. Matt Ryan

The Falcons could trade Matt Ryan if they draft a QB at No. 4 overall.

Whether they want to admit it or not, the Falcons desperately need to hit the reset button at quarterback this offseason. Their impending head coaching hire will likely play a role in that decision, but logic would say to draft a QB at No. 4 overall and trade longtime starter Matt Ryan for future draft compensation.

It remains to be seen what Atlanta could get for Ryan, but you have to think it’ll be something of value given his resume and the fact that he’s still a borderline top 12 player at the position. Before you dismiss that as hyperbole, the 35-year-old vet ranked first in both completions (407) and first downs (242), fourth in passing yards (4,581) and 12th in touchdowns (26) this season.

The last time we checked, the Patriots could do A LOT worse compared to what Newton looked like under center this season. For the sake of time, we’re not going to dive into his numbers, but just know he finished near the bottom in nearly every major statistical category.

Ryan hasn’t been mentioned as a potential target for the Patriots and that likely boils down to the fact that it’s unclear whether Atlanta intends on moving on from him. However, we would totally be on board with acquiring him. What he lacks in mobility he more than makes up for in precision and ingenuity, and those aforementioned numbers could balloon behind a stout offensive line (he was sacked the fifth-most of any quarterback in 2020).

If the Patriots make improvements to their wide receiving corps and tight end position, Ryan not only could flourish in their system, but he could help them sneak into the playoffs in what has proven to be a loaded AFC.