Giants solidify future of defense with Logan Ryan extension

Extending Logan Ryan helps the Giants defense remain a unit on the rise.

It’s been a sore spot for the previous three seasons very early this year. In 2016, the New York Giants went all-in during free agency when it came to the defensive side of the ball. The franchise spent big on addressing this side of the ball with acquisitions such as cornerback Janoris Jenkins, edge rusher Olivier Vernon and run-stopper Damon Harrison. The results were evident as the playoff-bound Giants gave up only 284 points and only 25 offensive touchdowns.

Then came the next three seasons. New York surrendered 42 offensive touchdowns in both 2017 and 2018 and 49 such scores this past year. In 2019, only the Dolphins (494) and the Panthers (470) gave up more points than the Giants (451).

However, slowly but surely, coordinator Patrick Graham’s unit has made definitive strides. Players such as defensive tackle Laken Tomlinson and end Leonard Williams, as well as safety Jabrill Peppers, have had solid seasons. And the offseason addition of free-agent cornerback James Bradberry was huge as well.

But just before the start of the season, general manager Dave Gettleman added veteran defensive back Logan Ryan via a one-year deal. He was coming off a big year with the Titans and has been a welcomed addition this season as he has settled in at safety next to Peppers.

The savvy pro ranks second on the team with 81 tackles, to go along with a sack, a pair of takeaways, three forced fumbles and nine passes defensed. The eight-year pro, as well as the rest of the defense, has given up just 32 offensive touchdowns in the 2020 season and the club has allowed only 311 points (22.2 average) in 14 outings.

And according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk), Ryan signed a three-year extension worth $31 million.

While some may feel that the team isn’t make a wise investment, there’s no denying the strides the Giants’ defense has made this year after three disastrous seasons. That’s not all because of the addition of Ryan. But he’s a very substantial piece for a defense that has made big-time strides after three disastrous showings. Joe Judge’s club still has some work to do on the offensive side of the ball. But Big Blue’s improving defense is starting to make some noise.