Logan Ryan’s preference to play safety makes him unlikely fit for Jets
Once considered a fit for the Jets, free agent defensive back Logan Ryan no longer makes as much sense for New York given his positional preferences.
On Monday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Ryan views himself as a safety going forward. Ryan’s agent emailed all 32 NFL general managers his client’s statistics, comparing them to some of the league’s top safeties.
Free agent Logan Ryan views himself as a safety, rather than the cornerback he’s generally listed as. To that end, his agent emailed all 32 GMs these top safety stats and asked them to compare his production. An interesting discussion to be sure as one of the top FAs looms. pic.twitter.com/NZni6BYmND
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 10, 2020
In 2019, Ryan compiled 113 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 18 passes defended, four interceptions and four forced fumbles in 16 games. According to Pro Football Focus, Ryan saw 855 snaps at slot corner, 243 at outside corner, 180 at box safety and 22 at free safety.
Even before Ryan declared himself a safety, he was a luxury Gang Green likely wasn’t going to splurge on. The Jets were previously in contact with Ryan but unwilling to meet his $10 million per year price tag, according to the New York Post’s Brian Costello.
Most of Ryan’s NFL experience has come in the nickel. The Jets already have Brian Poole for that, and he was one of the better slot corners in the NFL in 2019.
New York’s interest in Ryan also predated the team’s decision to trade Jamal Adams. He could’ve potentially been a replacement for Adams, given his resume and success at a high level, but New York acquired Bradley McDougald in return.
McDougald’s arrival means that Ryan’s presence isn’t needed in New York’s secondary if the latter is set on being a safety. McDougald was ranked as the eighth-most valuable defensive back in coverage last season, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. The expectation is that he will start alongside Marcus Maye. Versatile rookie Ashtyn Davis should also see significant time as the No. 3 safety.
With the current structure of New York’s depth chart, Ryan’s preference to play safety means he no longer makes sense for the Jets. Right now, New York can’t commit to giving Ryan the snaps he’s looking for and there’s no reason to give him the money he wants.
However, the Jets are clearly still in the market for a cornerback. The team put in a waiver claim for new Browns cornerback M.J. Stewart, but Cleveland had a higher waiver priority. If Ryan were more open to playing outside corner, perhaps the Jets could show interest once again.
For now, Joe Douglas will have to keep searching for depth at cornerback. Ultimately, the Jets don’t have a need where Ryan best views himself.
