The New York Giants have finally pulled the trigger. After months of rumored interest between both parties, the team has reportedly agreed upon a one-year, $7.5 million deal with defensive back Logan Ryan, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Ryan, one of the top free-agents available since March, struggled to find a market that suited his lofty contract demands this summer, which were reportedly as high as $10 million per year at one point. However, that has quickly changed, thanks to a slight drop in money and the hiring of agent Joe Segal as new representation in recent days.
The Berlin, New Jersey native who played his college ball at nearby Rutgers University took to Twitter shortly after word broke of his deal, to voice his excitement of a return home.
I’m coming home!! @Giants #TogetherBlue 💪🏾
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What Position Will Ryan Play in NY?
Now that we are certain Ryan will be donning a Giants uniform this season, the next obvious question is what position will he play in 2020? A cornerback for the entirety of his seven-year pro career thus far, Ryan turned heads earlier this month when Ian Rapoport reported that the 29-year-old was pitching himself as a safety to potential suitors.
However, a quick glimpse at the game tape along with his production and you realize, Ryan has been playing a pseudo-safety role for quite some time.
Ryan was moved around tons during his time with the Tennessee Titans, none more than in 2019, where he went on to enjoy a career season. Ryan posted career-highs in tackles (113) and sacks (4.5) this past year, the second consecutive season he’s recorded at least four sacks. Certainly not your typical cornerback numbers.
Ryan’s desired position change comes at a perfect time for a Giants secondary who just lost second-round safety Xavier McKinney until at least late-November due to a fractured foot.
Julian Love would appear to be an ideal replacement for McKinney, whose late-season play in 2019 helped him earn a spot on Pro Football Focus’ Top 50 NFL Rookies list, ranking 13th overall. However, the Giants appear enamored with using Love in a hybrid CB/S role moving forward and by most accounts don’t perceive McKinney’s injury as reason to alter their plans for Love.
With that said, Love and Ryan’s interchangeable skillset gives the Giants plenty of options on the backend of their defense, and with lingering questions at the cornerback position, either could be asked to play more cornerback than previously expected.
Is Ryan the Answer at CB?
DeAndre Baker’s legal issues and Sam Beal’s opt-out decision have left New York in search of answers opposite big-ticket free agent corner, James Bradberry. While rookie Darnay Holmes and second-year pro Corey Ballentine have enjoyed stellar camps thus far, they are still mostly question marks. Should the Giants play Ryan at corner, they’d immediately upgrade arguably their biggest weakness on the roster to one of their strongest.
And that’s before a potential reunion with former first-rounder Prince Amukamara goes down.
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Giants Sign Top Free-Agent Defensive Back: Report