Matt Ryan willing to return to NFL 'if stars align'

Matt Ryan is holding out hope for another chance in the NFL.

Earlier this week, Ryan agreed to join CBS Sports this Fall but made it clear he wasn't retiring. On Wednesday, he expanded on his decision in an interview on Sirius XM NFL Radio. (h/t NFL.com)

"I've just learned, at least during my experience in the 15 years I've played, to just not shut any doors. That's really the decision behind that... I'm excited to take this next step and move forward, but at the same time, you never know what's going to happen in this league," the 2016 regular season MVP said.

NFL.com notes Ryan has a financial reason to remain unretired. By technically being an active NFL player, the Colts -- Ryan's former team -- are on the hook for $12 million owed to Ryan.

Chances are he's played for the last time in the NFL. Ryan acknowledged that by saying "All the stars would have to [align]." What are those star-aligning scenarios? Here's an early guess at a few:

Atlanta Falcons

For as much as the NFC South changed this offseason, there's a chance it's still among the worst division in football in 2023. The Bucs aren't expected to go anywhere without Tom Brady. What if Bryce Young's learning curve is longer than Carolina expected and Andy Dalton takes meaningful snaps? What if the Saints' veterans they rely so heavily on are too far past their peak? 

Atlanta has questions, too. The running game should be effective, but what about everything else? If the division is weak again and quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke fail to capitalize, perhaps Ryan joins the Falcons for a final playoff push.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins' speed at wide receiver with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle would be nullified by Ryan's diminished arm strength, but in a repeat of last year when Miami's top two quarterbacks suffered season-ending injuries, would the organization rather start Skylar Thompson in the playoffs again or hand the keys to Ryan? 

Thompson was 18-of-45 (40 percent) for 220 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in his first playoff start. Ryan's started playoff games and is 237-of-351 (67.5 percent) for 2,672 yards, 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

San Francisco 49ers

Unless the 49ers found whoever's holding their quarterbacks' voodoo dolls, chances are the injury bug will haunt San Francisco again. But even if they find an elixir, the 49ers' quarterback room -- while full -- raises some doubts. 

If Brock Purdy isn't fully healthy, Trey Lance struggles and Sam Darnold sees ghosts, a reunion between Ryan and Shanahan could keep the 49ers' season afloat.

Shanahan was Ryan's offensive coordinator in 2016 in Atlanta, Ryan's MVP season, when he completed 69.9 percent of his pass attempts for 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions.