Getty Tom Brady and Bruce Arians converse before a 2021 game.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to make moves in free agency with former New York Giants safety Logan Ryan becoming the latest addition, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Ryan slides into the secondary void created by Jordan Whitehead joining the Jets.
“From @GMFB: The #Bucs continue to be active, signing another old friend of Tom Brady’s,” Rapoport tweeted on March 18. “Sources say former Giants captain Logan Ryan has agreed to terms with Tampa, giving them a leader in the secondary. Ryan won two Super Bowls with Brady and the Patriots.”
Ryan marks the second former teammate of Tom Brady that the Bucs have added since free agency began. The Buccaneers previously traded for former Patriots guard Shaq Mason.
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Ryan: ‘I’m Excited to Be Back With Brady’
Ryan started 15 games for the Giants in 2021 notching 117 tackles, eight pass deflections and two forced fumbles. Ryan earned a disappointing 60.4 grade from Pro Football Focus last season but steps into a much better situation with Tampa Bay being one of the top NFL defenses.
“On the phone with veteran safety Logan Ryan who tells me he’s going to the Bucs. ‘We’ve agreed to a 1-year deal,'” CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson noted on Twitter. “‘I fly down there Tuesday to figure out the rest of the terms. I’m excited to be back with (Tom) Brady.’ Ryan finds a new team less than 24hrs after Giants release.”
Prior to spending the last two seasons in New York, Ryan was a starting corner for both the Titans and Patriots. New England selected Ryan in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft with the No. 83 pick.
Whitehead Did Not Receive an Offer From the Bucs
During his introductory press conference with the Jets, Whitehead revealed that he did not receive an offer to return to the Bucs. Whitehead signed a two-year, $14.5 million contract with the Jets, per Spotrac.
“No offer from Tampa,” Whitehead told reporters when asked about the Bucs’ involvement.
Whitehead noted that he did not take the Buccaneers’ lack of interest personally. The former Tampa safety went on to praise the coaching staff and organization.
“Business is business, no hard feelings over there,” Whitehead added. “Love the coaches, had a lot of great coaches that taught me a lot over there. Great organization, great guys, great players. I’m excited for this journey.”
Godwin Signed a 3-Year, $60 Million Contract to Avoid Playing on Franchise Tag
Despite losing players like Whitehead and Alex Cappa, it has been a productive week for the Bucs since Brady ended his short retirement. The Buccaneers initially placed the franchise tag on star receiver Chris Godwin but were able to reach a long-term agreement when free agency got underway. Godwin signed a three-year, $60 million deal to avoid playing on the franchise tag for a second consecutive season.
“The Bucs franchised tagged WR Chris Godwin, but hoped it would be a place-holder for a long-term deal,” Rapoport tweeted on March 16. “8 days later, the team and agent Tory Dandy of CAA hammered out a a 3-year, $60M extension for Godwin — and cap space for Tampa Bay.”