3 teams that should trade for Matt Ryan amid Falcons’ Deshaun Watson rumors
By John Buhler
53. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Cleveland Browns. 2. player. AFC. North
Matt Ryan would be the adult the Cleveland Browns are wanting at quarterback
The Cleveland Browns are a potential trade destination that could happen whether or not Watson comes to Atlanta. Ryan would be elevated by the talent around him in Cleveland. The Browns would be a playoff team with him, no question. More importantly, he would provide the maturity the Browns have been lacking out of Mayfield for the last four seasons. Ryan is the ultimate pro.
If Watson comes to Atlanta, Ryan could go to Cleveland. That would mean Mayfield could be heading to somewhere like Indianapolis or Seattle, possibly even to Houston. Should Watson go to the arch rival New Orleans Saints, Ryan could still go to Cleveland in a package with Mayfield coming to Atlanta. It would mean a rebuild for the Falcons, but Mayfield could have success there.
However, Ryan does not have a strong arm to cut through the harsh AFC North winds. Though he is a future hall of famer, he may only be the third most talented quarterback in the division behind Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. Yes, Cleveland will be better with Ryan over Mayfield, but he is not the quarterback that takes the Browns to the Super Bowl. They will win 10 games yearly, though.
Look for the Browns to be a landing spot for Ryan even if the Falcons do not end up with Watson.