logan ryan

New York Giants: Replacement Options For DeAndre Baker

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New York Giants, Julian Love, DeAndre Baker, Julian Love

The New York Giants are once again in the news for the wrong reasons. Second-year cornerback DeAndre Baker has been dealing with quite a bit of legal trouble this offseason that has been made very public news. In May, Baker was accused of armed robbery. Since then, the little bits of news and updates on Baker’s legal situation have been mostly positive. Information was even brought to light that indicated Baker was innocent.

Those who accused Baker of these crimes eventually recanted their statements. But now, according to a report by Pat Leonard, a search warrant obtained exclusively by the NY Daily News seems to indicate that Baker had a payoff cover-up that further implicates him in the crime.

After the warrant by the NY Daily News was made public, reports stated that the Giants are expected to cut DeAndre Baker. Without DeAndre Baker on the Giants’ roster, there is a major hole at the Giants’ second outside cornerback position. Who could fill that role for the Giants on short notice in 2020?

Logan Ryan

Logan Ryan is a veteran slot cornerback who had a statistically incredible 2019 season as a member of the Tennessee Titans. As a cornerback, Ryan totaled an insane 113 combined tackles last season. Ryan was also a tremendous playmaker, forcing a career-high 4 fumbles, racking up another career-high 14 passes defended while also adding 4 interceptions.

Ryan has been in the NFL for seven seasons. He spent his first four years in New England before signing with the Tennessee Titans in 2017. Over the years, Logan Ryan has been one of the most consistent nickel cornerbacks in the NFL, but he is also capable of playing on the outside.

According to Pro Football Focus, “Ryan is by no means an elite slot corner — in fact, he surrendered over 1,000 yards in coverage in 2019 and was constantly picked on.” The former Titans corner might be past his prime, but PFF concedes he is “still an average player at the position — he was the 48th most valuable corner in 2019.”

Acquiring Logan Ryan’s talents would not come cheap, though. The cornerback reportedly “is not willing to accept less than $10 million annually.” The Giants might not have the cap space available to comfortably sign Ryan at the moment, however, if the team does decide to cut DeAndre Baker, Logan Ryan’s contract will become much more affordable.

Sam Beal

The Giants had high hopes when they selected Sam Beal in the third round of the 2018 Supplemental Draft. So far, he has not exactly lived up to expectations. Injuries held Beal back in his first two seasons, but he was not overly impressive when he found the field.

Sam Beal played in 6 games and started 3 games in 2019. In those games, Beal allowed a 76.2% completion percentage when targeted. He allowed opposing receivers to gain 171 yards and 1 touchdown. Opposing quarterbacks recorded a passer rating of 115.4 against Sam Beal. If Beal is going to replace DeAndre Baker, the Giants will need him to improve his performance significantly.

Julian Love

Julian Love started five games at safety for the Giants in 2019. He was expected to continue in a rotational safety role in 2020, but expectations have been subverted by DeAndre Baker’s incident. This makes Julian Love a potential option at outside cornerback.

Julian Love played safety as a rookie in the NFL, but he played cornerback in college. At that position, Love recorded 32 pass breakups and 4 interceptions over his last two years at Notre Dame.

“Pure and simple, Love is a cover guy who possesses the feet, hips, instincts and competitiveness you want in a corner.” – NFL.com analyst Lance Zierelein

Should the New York Jets still consider taking a flier on veteran corner Logan Ryan?

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New York Giants, Logan Ryan

Over the past two weeks the New York Jets have been talking to free-agent cornerback Logan Ryan. No one is sure how far talks have progressed between the two but recently a report from the NY Post states that the Jets are unlikely to pay Logan what he demands. Logan has reportedly asked for 10 million dollars on what will most likely be a one-year contract. The New York Jets were not big spenders in free agency mostly due to Joe Douglas’s philosophy on spending big money on free agents.

Waiting Game

Logan is coming off a very productive year with the Tennessee Titans where he racked up 4 interceptions and 18 pass deflections. The New York Jets should be wary of Logan Ryan as he has not performed consistently enough to warrant his 10-million-dollar price tag as he has only been an average cornerback at best in Tennessee. I suspect over the next month or two that Logan will lower his price to a more reasonable 5-7 million dollars.

Another Path

If the New York Jets decided to pass on Logan Ryan it will not hurt them too much. The Jets have a surprisingly underrated group of Cornerbacks that are entering this season off a hot final 6 weeks of the 2019 season. If the New York Jets take this patient approach they will not only avoid another Trumaine Johnson like situation, but they will also allow their homegrown talent to develop in year two of Greg Williams system.

New York Jets have NOT signed Logan Ryan to a deal he stated on GMFB

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New York Giants, Logan Ryan

Recent reports, specifically by Manish Mehta from the New York Daily News, stated that the New York Jets were close to signing veteran cornerback Logan Ryan. The former Titan stated on GMFB these reports are not valid.

Ryan has ample experience as a number one corner in the NFL, posting lofty numbers in 2019. At 28 years old, he logged 113 combine tackles, 4.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits, 18 passes offended, and four forced fumbles. He also earned four interceptions, proving he’s capable of producing in many different categories.

The role he played was rather interesting for the Tennessee Titans last season, as he acted as a pass rusher off the edge but also dropped into coverage frequently, considering his 18 passes offended. His eight turnovers were impressive, and it was likely a significant reason the Titans’ defense had a successful season.

However, the Jets reportedly were set to gain the corner at a position that severely lacks talent. After cutting Trumaine Johnson and his vile contract, the Jets were left with a void at the number one position, and as of now, they are preparing to feature Pierre Desir or from the Indianapolis Colts in that role.

Ryan joined GMFB Thursday morning to talk about the reports indicating he was signing with the Jets. He stated, “People broke news and wrote articles on what I was going before I even knew.”

So, we can conclude that the Jets have not signed Logan Ryan as of yet, but he did indicate that he would be open to the idea of taking his talents to New York.

Not only would Ryan bring essential experience and knowledge to help the younger players develop, but he would fill the number one spot immediately and give the Jets some solace in their unpredictable unit.

Signing him to a one-year deal might make the most sense, allowing the younger players to further develop and utilize Ryan as a one-off type of player. Their secondary would be improved and give them the extra benefit of knowing they don’t have to rely on second-year player Bless Austin or depth pieces like Arthur Maulet or Quincy Wilson — not to mention Bryce Hall, their fifth-round pick out of Virginia.

Report: New York Jets signing veteran corner Logan Ryan to prove it deal

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New York Jets, Logan Ryan, Tennessee Titans

Throughout this offseason, New York Jets GM Joe Douglas has been very active in signing players to prove it deals to attempt to fill critical needs. He’s also been very aggressive in trying to fill one of the Jets’ biggest voids. Last season the Jets’ cornerback group was one of the worst in football. With minimal depth and no proven entities, the Jets had to upgrade the position this the offseason.

They released Trumaine Johnson and Darryl Roberts, two bad signings from the old regime, and added Pierre Desir on a one year deal. They also brought back Brian Poole on a one year deal as well. The Jets still have Bless Austin, Nate Hairston, and Arthur Maulet, but they looked to upgrade the position in the draft.

The Jets then came out of the draft with two more new corners—Bryce Hall from Virginia and 23-year-old former second-rounder from the Colts, Quincy Wilson. Although there were reports before the draft of the Jets’ interest in CB Logan Ryan, it seemed as though the team was comfortable with their corners. Well, apparently they were not. The New York Jets have reportedly signed Logan Ryan to a one year deal per Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News.

Who is Logan Ryan?

As we’ve covered extensively here at ESM, Logan Ryan is a reliable veteran coming off a very successful season. Ryan is a hometown kid who attended Rutgers University. After a solid career there, Ryan was drafted in the 3rd Round of 2013 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. When Ryan debuted, he immediately carved himself a role with the Pats. Ryan was an excellent corner with them until he left in 2016.

He then joined the Titans, where he’s been coached by Mike Vrabel. He comes from a very good coaching tree, and he’s got a championship pedigree with two rings under his belt. Ryan is also 29 years old; he’s still got a few years of good football left. After remaining unsigned for the first two months or so of free agency, he now goes to a team in need of a reliable lead corner.

How Will Ryan Fit?

Logan Ryan is coming off a season where he had 113 tackles, 4 INTs, and 4 TFLs. In one of the best years of his career, he also picked off his former teammate, Tom Brady, in what was ultimately the last play of Brady’s time in New England. Now the former Patriot is coming home to the Jets.

Ryan will be tasked with leading a young cornerback group while also trying to perform well to earn himself a long term deal. What better coach to have with that pressure then one of the best defensive coordinators in the game, Gregg Williams. The opportunity to play under Gregg has been a critical reason that players like Brian Poole and Jordan Jenkins took such cheap deals to return to the Jets and is likely a reason Logan Ryan is coming to Gang Green. Williams gets the best out of his players, and he will try to do that with a veteran player who’s had a lot of success.

Even if this move bombs, the Jets have loads of young talent in the secondary that need mentorship. Bryce Hall and Bless Austin could both benefit from learning behind an experienced player, and even Quincy Wilson and Pierre Desir could pick up a thing or two from Ryan. Overall, the Jets have solidified their secondary for the upcoming season and formulated serious competition for the starting roles.

If there is anything you can pull from this offseason, it’s that Joe Douglas likes two things, leadership and establishing competition. By adding a talented player like Logan Ryan, he did just that. 

New York Jets: CB Logan Ryan would be a great addition

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New York Jets, Logan Ryan, Tennessee Titans

The New York Jets have been searching for cornerback stability for a long time now. Realistically, they haven’t had real stability since Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie manned the secondary. They gambled on Ohio State cornerback Dee Milliner in the 2013 draft and lost. They signed Trumaine Johnson to a big five-year, $72.5 million contract in 2018. We know how that turned out. Now, Gang Green finds themselves in another situation with a so-so cornerback group. Veteran Logan Ryan could provide some much-needed stability, leadership and experience on a short-term deal.

Ryan totaled 113 total tackles, 4 interceptions and 4.5 sacks last season with the Tennessee Titans en route to the AFC Championship game. He has played in 15 playoff games and has missed just three games over his seven-year career thus far with the Titans and Patriots. Also, he has won two Super Bowls with the Patriots. There’s the experience and stability in a nutshell. His experience could be a game-changer in the Jets’ secondary. The experience across their current players is far less. Let’s take a look at the cornerbacks currently on the team:

Brian Poole

Bless Austin

Pierre Desir

Quincy Wilson

Bryce Hall

Arther Maulet

Nate Hairston

These names may change and we don’t know what the depth chart is going to look like as of yet. Regardless, there isn’t much stability in that group. Logan Ryan would not only slide in as a starter, but he would also prevent younger, less experienced players from being placed into big-time situations when they shouldn’t be. Ryan is one of the top remaining free agents and would immediately bolster a Jets secondary that desperately needs cornerback help.

 

New York Jets Could Pursue CB Logan Ryan (Report)

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New York Jets, Logan Ryan, Tennessee Titans

The New York Jets reportedly have interest in cornerback, Logan Ryan:

The Jets have four pressing needs — offensive Line, cornerback, wide receiver & edge rusher. The Jets need another corner; however, they could really use a development guy to build around alongside Bless Austin, which makes the latest rumblings a bit confusing.

Per Manish Mehta, the Jets have internally discussed making a run at CB Logan Ryan. Manish has had his fair share of stories be debunked, so this can be taken with a grain of salt. Still, this is an interesting player for the Jets to have a case in.

Who is Logan Ryan?

Logan Ryan is a New Jersey kid who attended Rutgers University. After a stable career there, Ryan was drafted in the 3rd Round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. When Ryan debuted, he immediately carved himself a role with the Pats.

Ryan was a very solid corner with them until he left in 2016. He then joined the Titans, where Mike Vrabel has coached him. The now-former Titan comes from an excellent background of coaches, and he holds a championship pedigree with two rings under his belt. Ryan is also 29 years old, so it’s fair to assume he still has a few years of good football left, so being unsigned has been a bit perplexing.

How Would Ryan Fit?

Logan Ryan has always been a stable corner. Last season he had one of his best seasons yet — 113 tackles, 4 INTs, and 4 TFLs. Ryan had an awe-inspiring season and was overshooting his potential market value.

Now the Jets are discussing how he’d fit financially and within the team. Ryan and Pierre Desir would be a great duo to pair with Poole, but it seems like more of a win-now move. If Ryan is cheap, and they believe it gives them more draft flexibility, than it’s a solid decision. You can never turn down a good player, but Ryan would likely pull some reps away from Bless Austin, and unless they don’t have much faith in Austin, this move would be a strange one.

I like Ryan, and I think adding him would make for a solid secondary, but he’s likely in the market for a multi-year deal. At the same time, teams are a bit concerned with his ability to hold up in coverage, allowing a dismal 66% completion rate against him in 2019. Also, the move may take opportunities away from younger guys like Austin and a potential draft pick at a time where their development is more crucial than adding a veteran with inconsistent coverage abilities. 

How can the New York Giants upgrade their secondary?

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New York Jets, Logan Ryan, Tennessee Titans

The New York Giants pass defense was well documented as being one of the worst in the league last season.  The Giants secondary gave up more than 4,200 passing yards on the season (28th overall) and 7.1 yards per pass attempt (29th overall).  New York must upgrade their pass defense, but according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, those upgrades will not come from spending big in the cornerback market in free agency.

How will the New York Giants improve their pass defense?

Much of the headaches in the pass defense could be attributed to the lack of experience in the secondary.  Only three of the cornerbacks that saw impactful snap counts for the Giants defense last season had any playing time before last season.  Only one, Janoris Jenkins, started more than ten games heading into 2019. 

Many believe that the New York Giants may look at the top of the 2020 NFL Draft to help upgrade the cornerback position, but is adding more inexperience a good move?  Maybe. Ohio State’s Jeffrey Okudah seems to have the talent. However, adding a veteran presence to replace Janoris Jenkins looks to be the better move for New York.

If the rumors are true and the Giants won’t spend big on the cornerback market in free agency, who does that leave?  It most certainly rules out Byron Jones, assuming he doesn’t get an extension from Dallas. Jones will be one of the most highly sought free agents on the market and will likely get paid as such.  

Chris Harris, Jr., Logan Ryan, Bradley Roby, and Jimmy Smith are all free agents that made at or above $10 million per year on average.  However, is $10 million the bar for the Giants? Also, was their performance or age going to impact their number? I wouldn’t rule these names out like I would with Jones, but they may be just outside where New York is willing to go for the position.

So, who could the Giants target in free agency?

Former first-round selection for the Minnesota Vikings, Trae Waynes found himself not having an excellent coverage year in 2019.  His speed is his top trait, and he consistently has been good as a run defender. Unfortunately, his coverage ability has not been as consistent.  He shows flashes, but in the last four seasons has given up 16 touchdowns.

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard is another intriguing name for New York to keep an eye on.  He’s a solid cornerback, particularly in the slot, but has not been the most durable. With only one full season in the last six, health should undoubtedly be a concern for the Giants.  

I am sure the Giants would love to take Byron Jones away from a divisional rival and excel.  However, if the cost is an issue, there may be another option. Enter former Eagle Ronald Darby. Darby had an extremely forgetful 2019 season, posting an abysmal 45.9 grade with PFF.  He has battled injuries throughout his career and was put on injured reserve in December for a hip injury. Before 2019, Darby had been a very reliable starter, when healthy. Could he return to that form?

What is the Giants answer at improving the pass defense?

All of these options are risky.  Spend less money on inconsistent talent or durability concerns.  This has been the gamble that has hurt the New York Giants in other recent free agency moves.  The best way to help an inexperienced pass defense is to upgrade the pass rush. It’s been the story for the Giants all along, and that will not change.  

Yannick Ngakoue, Shaquil Barrett, and Kyle Van Noy could all be and should be considerations for the Giants.  The Chase Young dream is unlikely. Isaiah Simmons is versatile and talented, but will that translate to a consistent threat in disrupting the quarterback?  Trading back and somehow taking a K’Lavon Chaisson, AJ Epenesa, or any of the other next tier rookie edge defenders is an option. Whatever the case, if the Giants want to improve the pass defense without spending big in free agency, the best way to do that is to spend big in getting to the quarterback.

The New York Giants could explore two top level cornerbacks this offseason

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New York Giants, Jeff Okudah

With Janoris Jenkins featuring on the New Orleans Saints after being waived by the New York Giants several weeks ago, GM Dave Gettleman will be in the market for a No. 1 cornerback. Jenkins was the de-facto top dog for the Giants before his insensitive tweets sent him to the waiver wire, and his departure left DeAndre Baker fending for himself against opposing teams’ top wide receivers.

Baker allowed a 62.1% completion percentage last season against opposing quarterbacks, which is lackluster considering Jenkins, who lacked effort on numerous occasions, logged a 53.8% completion percentage. Having a top corner is a necessity for a Giants team with a weak secondary and robust interior defensive line.

Gettleman will surely be looking to inject more talent into the cornerback, linebacker, and pass-rusher positions. Luckily, he has $80+ million in cap space and plenty of draft capital to utilize in his quest to correct the wrongdoings he implemented on the defense.

Here are two cornerbacks the New York Giants should consider:

1.) Logan Ryan

Aside from Ryan’s impeccable healthy history, he’s also one of the best corners in the NFL. His contract is set to expire with the Tennessee Titans, which opens the door for the Giants to steal him away, and after his 2019 production, they should be bidding high for his services.

Ryan logged 113 combined tackles, four tackles for a loss, eight QB hits, 4.5 sacks, 18 passes defended, four interceptions, and four forced fumbles this season. The Titans view him as more than just an elite cover-corner. He can rush the passer from the outside, thanks to a unique defensive scheme. If the Giants bring him in, using him as a utility player that can produce in multiple categories seems like the right move. Factor in his pick-six against Tom Brady to slam the door closed on the Evil Empire, and Gettleman should be preparing his checkbook for the 28-year-old.

Expect him to earn somewhere in the $11-13 million range.

2.) Jeff Okudah

The Giants have the 4th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and Jeff Okudah, cornerback for Ohio State, could fit the bill for a secondary begging for a No. 1 corner. Okudah, who’s the best corner in all of college football, racked up 34 total tackles, and nine passes defended over 13 games.

His statistical production doesn’t scream efficiency, but that can be a good thing for corners. Opposing quarterback seldom picked on the OSU star, and drafting him would make him the top corner for the Giants immediately. However, the CB positions present the biggest challenge for players making the jump to the NFL, and that’s a factor the Giants must consider. I believe they will sign a free-agent corner to fill the spot instead of drafting Okudah, but sometimes youth is too appealing.

New York Giants news, 1/2 – 3 free agents that could fit well with the Giants

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New York Jets, Logan Ryan, Tennessee Titans

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

The New York Giants are going into the 2020 offseason with huge needs, specifically on the offensive and defensive lines. The draft should be focused on securing the trenches, as free agency offers reliable options in the secondary.

Here are three players the New York Giants should consider signing in free agency:

1.) CB Logan Ryan 

At 29-years-old, Ryan remains one of the best corners in the NFL, and he has proven once again this season that he deserves top money. The Giants are in need of a No. 1 corner after the release of Janoris Jenkins, and Ryan could fit the bill nicely.

The Tennessee Titan has had excellent health throughout his career, having started all 16 games in 2019. Ryan logged 113 combined tackles, 18 passes defended, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, and 4.5 sacks. It’s not frequent that you stumble across a corner who racks up substantial sack numbers. He has 8.5 total sacks over the past two years.

The Giants would have to drop a pretty penny to lure him to East Rutherford, but he’s well worth the investment.

2.) DE Yannick Ngakoue

With pass-rush being a position of need for Big Blue, Ngakoue should be an intriguing option during FA. His 41 combined tackles, 8.0 sacks, and four forced fumbles are impressive. The Jaguar will get paid in the coming months, and the Giants have the cap-space available to make it happen.

I wouldn’t be surprised if GM Dave Gettleman considers adding him, however, it’s reliant on the Giants’ new defensive coordinator and if they stick with the 3-4 scheme. It’s also possible James Bettcher is retained, despite his unit ranking as one of the worst in the league last season.

3.) Kyle Van Noy

Stealing players from the Patriots can either be a great or terrible idea. Often, they’re stellar players fitted to their system, but when they take their talents elsewhere, reality hits. Van Noy would be a reliable option for the Giants in the 3-4, though, as he comes with plenty of experience as an inside linebacker that can rush the passer. His 6.5 sacks and 15 QB hits prove his worth against opposing quarterbacks, but the Patriots have put him in the perfect place to succeed. With the transitions going on within the Giants’ organization, his talent might be overblown. Nonetheless, he’s a solid player that must be looked at.

Nonetheless–

Your top news of the day:

Paul Schwartz – Matt Rhule, Mike McCarthy emerging as favorites in Giants coaching search

John Fennelly – Giants Fans Lose Again as Team Elects to Keep Gettleman

Tyler Henry – Could the Giants benefit from a year with few coaching vacancies?
Kevin Hickey – Giants request to interview Ravens DC Don Martindale
Anthony Rivardo – New York Giants: Yannick Ngakoue A Top Free Agent Target

New York Giants: 3 free agent cornerbacks to replace Janoris Jenkins

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New York Jets, Logan Ryan, Tennessee Titans

With the New York Giants waiving veteran cornerback Janoris Jenkins on Friday morning after sending a profound Tweet to a fan and refusing to apologize for his use of “slang,” a gaping hole in the secondary has formed.

Jenkins was the No. 1 corner for the Giants and has been relatively consistent since his addition in 2016. Several problematical actions this season and during a tumultuous 2017 campaign (Ben McAdoo era) have finally led to his exclusion from a rebuild that’s bleeding at the seams.

General manager Dave Gettleman has made focusing on their youth a priority, considering the lack of success the team has had over the past two seasons. Now, heading into 2020, Gettleman must find a way to supplement the loss of Jenkins, as throwing DeAndre Baker into the fire is not a preferred scenario.

Here are three cornerbacks the New York Giants can invest in:

1.) Chris Harris (31)

Harris is one of the better corners in the NFL, racking up 46 tackles and one interception over 13 games this season. This year, however, has been downward trending, as he currently has a 70.2 overall grade, per PFF. In 2018, he racked up three interceptions, and 10 passes defended, far surpassing his numbers from the current campaign.

Considering his unproductive 2019 season, the Giants might be able to secure him on a salary-cap friendly deal. As friendly as a quality cornerback can be.

2.) Logan Ryan (29)

At just 29-years-old, Logan Ryan is a stellar option for the Giants in free agency. His 94 tackles, four sacks, and seven QB hits make him a multi-faceted corner than can be a threat at corner. Factor in his four interceptions and two forced fumbles and the Giants are looking at one of the best all-around corners in football, but it will take a lot of money to lure him to a defense littered with youth and inexperience.

I estimate a player of Ryan’s abilities will earn upwards of $15 million per season, but the Giants have the cap-space to spare.

3.) Jimmy Smith (32)

The oldest of the trio, Smith, is another quality player on a great defense led by Ravens’ Don Martindale. Smith has missed six games this year and is graded a smidge below Chris Harris at 70.1.

However, he has been a force in the secondary for quite some time and might be a great value pickup for the Giants, considering his experience and leadership. He’s the type of player that elevates his teammates, something Janoris Jenkins was void of during his tenure with the Giants.

The days of Smith being a lockdown corner might be over, but he’s a capable player that can supplement Jenkins’ departure.