Why Matt Ryan shouldn't retire just yet

If Matt Ryan decides to retire after the season, it definitely won’t be the most shocking and unbelievable news in sports history. .

Ryan has had a downright awful year with the Indianapolis Colts, and that's not an understatement. The 37-year-old quarterback has been benched not once, but twice this season. He first lost his starting job to Sam Ehlinger in late October and was recently benched in favor of Nick Foles.

With the way the Colts’ season is going, it wouldn’t be surprising if he started one of the team’s remaining two games and then got sent back to the bench once again. Yes, it’s been that kind of wacky year in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis believed Ryan, who once won the NFL MVP award and took the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance, could team with star running back Jonathan Taylor and others to transform the Colts into a legit title contender this season.

That plan didn’t quite work out, though, as the Colts currently own a 4-10-1 record and are set to land a top-five pick in the draft.

Ryan will likely contemplate retirement during the offseason, but it would be beneficial for him to stick around and resume his playing career.

Matt Ryan needs a chance to redeem himself

Indianapolis Colts v Minnesota Vikings

The four-time Pro Bowler has $12 million guaranteed for the 2023 season. If he doesn’t retire, the Colts will either release him or trade him.

Ryan struggled in Indy, but that doesn't imply he'll struggle for another team next year. The Colts' poor offensive line play has been a major contributor to their disappointing season. The unit has allowed him to be sacked 38 times.

If he can find a team with a good offensive line that can protect him, he might be able to shed the "washed up" label and revive his career.

Ryan now ranks eighth in NFL history with 62,792 passing yards. He only needs 1,300 more yards to pass Ben Roethlisberger for fifth place on the list. That would put him ahead of Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre.

So, "Matty Ice," keep your cleats on and stay a bit longer.