Matt Ryan has made the semi-transition to the broadcast booth after playing with the Colts last season. I describe it that way because he still hasn’t officially retired, but sometimes this league retires you before you’re ready.

Though his career didn’t end the way he or Falcons fans had hoped, he’s landed on his feet with CBS as a color commentator. He’s a natural in the role, able to simply describe the complex nature of the NFL.

Falcons fans got their first look at the greatest player in franchise history this offseason as Ryan visited Flowery Branch with his two sons. He’ll make his return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium soon too.

As Wes Durham so graciously shared, Matt Ryan is scheduled to be in the booth next week as the Falcons host the Commanders.

I’m sure it’s going to be bittersweet to call that game for Ryan. His career didn’t end how he would have liked, and his tenure in Atlanta ended in embarrassing fashion after the team pursued disgraced quarterback Deshaun Watson, which effectively alienated Matt Ryan.

Thankfully, there are no hard feelings between the two sides, even though I surely would’ve had some. The Falcons better be grateful that Ryan is a consummate professional because there are a lot of guys who would hold a grudge.

Matt Ryan will make his official return to Atlanta next Sunday in a storyline that will surely dominate headlines for the Falcons leading up to the game against the Commanders. It will be bittersweet for fans too.

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Desmond Ridder and the Atlanta Falcons get much-needed receiver help ahead of Week 6’s game against the Washington Commanders. The Rams traded Van Jefferson and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Falcons in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. With the activation of Cooper Kupp from the injured reserve and the emergence of rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua, Jefferson fell out of the Rams’ offensive rotation.

The Los Angeles Rams used their 2nd round pick from the Brandin Cooks trade to draft Van Jefferson 57th overall in the 2020 NFL draft. Van was the fourth wide receiver on the depth chart his rookie year, sitting behind Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and Josh Reynolds. He appeared in every game during his rookie season, totaling 19 receptions for 220 yards and one touchdown. With the injury to Cooper Kupp in the Wild Card, Jefferson got his first career start in the Divisional Round, catching six passes for 46 yards and one touchdown.