New York Jets rumors: Logan Ryan would give defense monster boost
The New York Jets are reportedly interested and believe they will sign cornerback Logan Ryan, who would be a critical addition to the secondary.
After a season when the New York Jets fell victim to a wild course of events that included injuries, mononucleosis and a roster that wasn’t ready to compete, there is more hope for the 2020 campaign. This offseason has focused largely on improving the offense around Sam Darnold. However, the Jets may now be turning their attention toward a big fish on defense.
Cornerback Logan Ryan is the biggest-name defensive player still remaining in free agency not named Jadeveon Clowney. And you could argue that Ryan was actually the better player last season, which he spent with the Tennessee Titans, highlighted by a pick-six on what ended up being Tom Brady‘s last pass with the Patriots in the playoffs.
It now seems as if the Jets are going to make a big play for the 29-year-old cornerback in free agency to try and make headway in a wide-open AFC East this season. According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets believe that they are going to sign Ryan to a one-year deal for the 2020 season.
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As mentioned, Ryan was a stud with the Titans last season. He was third in the NFL with 18 passes defended but also filled up the rest of the box score in Tennessee. The defensive back had 113 total tackles, four interceptions and 4.5 sacks on the season as well.
Ryan alone coming to this Jets secondary would be a huge addition. He’s in the prime of his career and, while best served playing in the slot, he has the versatility to play on the outside as well. However, it wouldn’t be just Ryan alone revamping a Jets secondary that was torched quite often throughout the season in 2019.
New York has quietly been busy in reshaping their defensive backfield in the 2020 offseason. In addition to cutting Trumaine Johnson (a net win for New York), the Jets have landed Pierre Desir in free agency, traded for Quincy Wilson, drafted Bryce Hall and Ashtyn Davis and retained some continuity and retaining Brian Poole and Arthur Malet.
With Ryan, that’s still probably not a top-five secondary in the league. However, with the Jets’ lingering questions about their ability to generate pressure up front, having a secondary as capable as this group alleviates some of those worries. That may be true without adding Ryan but getting him into the fold solidifies a solid defensive back group.
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Of course, the deal isn’t done yet but the interest is quite obviously heavy and the Jets believe it’s going to get done. While they may not be in position to take over the AFC East fully in 2020, adding Ryan will complete a strong group of additions for this season that should inspire optimism with Gang Green moving forward.