Matt Ryan found his way to a new roster, and an opportunity to add his voice and expertise in his new spot. Except, he won’t need a helmet…as he’s putting on the earpiece/headset and joining CBS Sports.
Ryan made the announcement on his Twitter page on Monday. However, he insists that his helmet-wearing days aren’t over yet — referring to his post as a “non-retirement” one. But, Ryan’s decision now makes people wonder if he’ll be verbosely effective out the gate — a la Greg Olsen and Tony Romo.
Matt Ryan Should Have Zero Issue Adjusting to the Broadcast Booth
Given the past history of quarterbacks who sat in the broadcast booth, Ryan has a chance to become a hit right away.
Former QBs who get in front of a TV have brought this element inside the booth: being meticulous. All those years of sitting inside offensive meeting rooms get embedded into their brain cells, to the point where they still can dissect what coverages and blitzes defenses throw on the field.
Such is the case for the aforementioned Romo and Troy Aikman of ESPN’s Monday Night Football. Romo has a knack for using his version of a pre-snap read before the ball is snapped — predicting where the ball is heading and eventually, it treks there. Aikman is another who constantly studies who he’s watching beforehand, then brings his mix of knowledge and honesty inside the booth.
Ryan, with so many seasons in the NFL — including Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl — should have no issue luring in the knowledge aspect up above the press box. But can he be just as big of a hit as new co-worker Romo or even catch Olsen on Fox Sports?
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The former tight end Olsen has been lauded for his ability to prepare and won over viewers with his comfort level and expertise…to the point he’s been labeled the future of NFL broadcasting by numerous fans and outlets.
Olsen also went on a journey that was different from Romo’s but similar to Aikman’s. He didn’t start out with the “A” team option for his network, as Olsen was long considered the No. 2 behind Aikman and Joe Buck at Fox before trekking upward. Ryan, with him joining Romo’s network, will likely start off behind Romo to begin.
Yet, for “Matty Ice,” this philosophy of being behind Romo will work as he won’t have the added pressure of being a top voice out the gate. He can instead ease into his new role, while also picking Romo’s brain on how to attack broadcasting with the same energy they had when they wore the helmet.
If Ryan Isn’t Retiring, Who Are Best Remaining Fits?
Ryan is additionally going the route of Richard Sherman with this decision. The Super Bowl-winning cornerback Sherman last year joined Amazon’s team with the intention of not retiring and being open to any NFL opportunity. Sherman, though, was never added by a CB-needy NFL team.
For Ryan, he’s this deep into the offseason without finding his next NFL home — which points to him being relegated to a No. 2 QB. Ryan is now at the point of his career where teams will only consider him as a depth need and no longer QB1. Which raises the question, who else could be a late fit for Ryan?
Maybe a reunion with Matt LaFleur could work for Ryan if Jordan Love struggles right away with the Green Bay Packers. LaFleur was Ryan’s QBs coach in Atlanta from 2015 to 2016, including during their run to the NFC title.
The Washington Commanders have insisted that Sam Howell is their guy. But if he’s not the immediate answer, perhaps Washington makes the call to Ryan.
Finally, a return to the Boston region would be worth monitoring. The New England Patriots are facing a dilemma with determining if it’s Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe as the lead QB moving forward. Maybe Bill Belichick adds Ryan at some point during the season as an assurance — which brings the former Boston College Eagle Ryan back near his college city.
