Logan Ryan could be a steal on free agent market
New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan has certainly earned himself a pay day, but he could wind up being a major steal on the free agent market…
It seemed impossible, but the New England Patriots assembled one of the best defenses in the NFL this past season. In fact, statistically, they were the top overall defense in the NFL, though not overly dynamic in any specific area. One area of this team that was very good was the secondary, and cornerback Logan Ryan was undoubtedly a major part of that success.
The 26-year old free agent to be had 92 tackles this past year after racking up 74 the year prior. He has six interceptions in the last two seasons, and 25 passes broken up. Why is he not being talked about as a premiere free agent?
Like many Patriots players — both offensively and defensively — he will get labelled a ‘system’ type of player. What the Patriots do better than any team in the league is maximize the talent they bring in, which is why they identify players like Ryan, who was considered a ‘reach’ in the 2013 NFL Draft by many who hadn’t even really heard his name.
The Patriots saw a physical defensive back who lacked speed but excelled in every other area, and they put him in position to be a very successful NFL player.
Sanu gets a crack block on #Flowers. Pretty sure Logan Ryan is signing elsewhere this offseason. The signing team is getting a good tackler. pic.twitter.com/ryKWRUWviv
— Kyle Smith (@KyleJSmith) February 18, 2017
With Malcolm Butler set for an extension in the near future as well, it’s entirely possible that the Patriots will lose Ryan to the highest bidder, though they have moved around a number of other players on their defense to be able to afford bringing back a player like this kid.
New England is also typically very confident in their ability to add and develop players in their scheme, and this situation will be no different. Still, you’d have to think the Patriots would like to have Ryan back, and I think it’s reasonable to assume he’ll at least get an offer from the team that drafted him four years ago.
This is a player that has consistently gotten better. I haven’t really seen him lumped in with the best free agents available, but I think that needs to change. This is a difference maker at cornerback and I think he’ll be good whether he stays in New England or not.