Falcons QB Matt Ryan Lands on Browns Coach Kevin Stefanski's Radar

Atlanta veteran quarterback could be on the move as Cleveland seeks QB upgrade

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:07am

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Veteran Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has caught the eye of Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, according to reports from the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. The 37-year-old Ryan, who has spent his entire 15-year NFL career with the Falcons, could be on the trade block as the Browns look to upgrade their quarterback position this offseason.

Why it matters

The potential move of Ryan from the Falcons to the Browns would be a significant shift in the NFL landscape, with the longtime Atlanta QB potentially joining a Cleveland team on the rise that reached the playoffs in 2022. It would also raise questions about the futures of current Browns starters Deshaun Watson and Jacoby Brissett.

The details

Stefanski was spotted speaking extensively with Ryan at the Senior Bowl, fueling speculation that the Browns are interested in acquiring the veteran QB. Ryan is coming off a down year with the Falcons, throwing for 3,968 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. However, he still has the potential to be an upgrade over the Browns' current QB situation.

  • The Senior Bowl is taking place this week in Mobile, Alabama.

The players

Matt Ryan

A 37-year-old veteran quarterback who has spent his entire 15-year NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons.

Kevin Stefanski

The head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who is looking to upgrade his team's quarterback position this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“We must explore every option to improve our roster, and Matt Ryan is certainly an intriguing possibility.”

— Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns

What’s next

The Browns will continue to evaluate their quarterback options in the coming weeks, with the NFL Draft and free agency looming as potential avenues to acquire a new signal-caller.

The takeaway

The potential move of Matt Ryan from the Falcons to the Browns would be a blockbuster transaction, pairing the veteran QB with a Cleveland team on the rise and raising questions about the futures of Deshaun Watson and Jacoby Brissett in Cleveland.