Former NFL MVP Matt Ryan traded to Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons sign Marcus Mariota as replacement

By Ben Morse, CNN

Updated 0905 GMT (1705 HKT) March 22, 2022

Matt Ryan walks off the field after a loss to the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 9, 2022.

(CNN)The Indianapolis Colts have traded for Matt Ryan to be their new starting quarterback, with the Atlanta Falcons signing Marcus Mariota as his replacement.

The Colts were looking for a new starting quarterback having traded Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders a few weeks ago, and Indianapolis acquired the NFL's 2016 Most Valuable Player for a third-round draft pick on Monday. Ryan was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick by the Falcons in 2008, spending 14 seasons in Atlanta. In his 222 games as a starting quarterback, the 36-year-old has been a proficient starter, throwing for almost 60,000 passing yards and 367 touchdowns. Ryan's best season came in 2016 where he led the Falcons to the Super Bowl when they infamously blew a huge 28-3 lead to lose to the New England Patriots. Read MoreColts general manager Chris Ballard pointed to Ryan's «leadership and skillset» as a reason for approving the trade, while head coach Frank Reich said he has «long admired Matt for his steady, methodical approach to the game.»«He is one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league and has spearheaded numerous fourth quarter game-winning drives,» Reich said. «Matt will be a fantastic representative for our organization, and I'm excited to get to work with him and the rest of the team this offseason.»Ryan passes during the fourth quarter in a game against the Saints on January 9, 2022.Falcons owner Arthur Blank paid his respects to Ryan in a statement, saying he was the «epitome of a franchise quarterback.»«He has represented this organization with great