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While the Falcons are looking for a new general manager and head coach, owner Arthur Blank continues to send the message that new hires will not be linked to quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Julio Jones.
“What I think is most important, most important, is that we hire people who are, in the first place, the best at their jobs,” Blank said recently during a press conference at the end of the season. “It’s obvious. Who’s going to come up with a plan for us to have a champion team, a competitive team, etc. And that may include Matt and Julio for now, for the next two years, three years, or not. I have no idea.”
Following the resignation of coach Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff, Blank made it clear that there is no guarantee that Ryan will return in 2021.
“Matt has been a franchise leader for us,” said Blank at the time. “A great defender. One of the main defenders of the last 13 years in the NFL. I hope he will be part of our plans going forward. But that will be a decision that I will not make. “
Last month, CEO Rich McKay linked the ability to move from Ryan and / or Jones.
“Give us a plan,” said McKay. “Show us what you want to do and why. Show us how it takes us to Ws and make sure you actually execute the plan. “
Therefore, while Blank seems willing to postpone the trial for the new GM and trainer, McKay appears to be willing to reserve the right to challenge if the “plan” to win without them is not convincing. This plan will include building a list around a maximum cost of $ 44 million (the maximum number to maintain it would be $ 40.9 million). For Jones, the maximum amount to trade would be $ 23.25 million; the maximum limit to maintain it would be $ 23.05 million.
As candidates are interviewed for both jobs, it becomes critical to know precisely whether they will have the discretion to transfer Ryan and / or Jones, whether McKay will be able to veto it and / or whether McKay will roll his eyes at Blank if they deal with this or any other decision in a way that he wouldn’t.
In fact, they must assume that the last part is true. And these candidates, frankly, must, before taking jobs in Atlanta, look for jobs elsewhere that give them a direct chance at ownership, with no one in a position to approve or undermine the decisions they make in the best interests of the team.