Here’s the Likely Reason Matt Ryan Isn’t Announcing Retirement

The former Colts and Falcons quarterback is joining CBS Sports as an analyst, but he’s not officially retiring as a player yet.

On Monday, veteran NFL quarterback Matt Ryan announced he was joining CBS Sports as an NFL analyst but added an interesting note to the end of his statement, saying “this is not a retirement post.” With the addendum and his remaining unsigned at age 37, fans were left wondering whether Ryan really would consider playing another season. 

But Ryan’s refusal to call it a retirement could be less about football and more about finance. If he does announce he’s done playing in the NFL, it potentially jeopardizes the $12 million he’ll make to not play for the Colts in 2023, per Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. 

When Indianapolis traded for Ryan last offseason, the franchise was aware he’d be owed $12 million this year. But in order to avoid having to pay Ryan an additional $17 million, the Colts cut him in March. But the payday comes with a catch for Ryan. In order to cash in on that $12 million, he has to technically seek NFL employment. So if he did announce his retirement, Indianapolis could have a case to not pay him. 

Ryan is the only one who knows if he’ll play another down of football, but the career change is certainly a sign that the former MVP is getting ready to ride off into the sunset sooner rather than later.