It is hyperbole to suggest that Logan Ryan was destined to play for the 2020 Giants, even though he’s from New Jersey, attended Rutgers and, from a football, familiarity and training standpoint, is in. phase with whatever the organization is trying to build.
It is not hyperbole, however, to assert that the Giants dramatically improved the skill and depth of their defensive backdrop on Monday by agreeing to terms with Ryan on a one-year contract worth $ 7. , $ 5 million. Instantly, the 29-year-old cornerback, who will also be playing a lot of safety, improves on a unit that has been hit this summer by a player’s arrest, withdrawal and injury.
“He’s thrilled to be back in New Jersey,” said a source close to Ryan.
Indeed, Ryan took to Twitter to post “I’m coming home !!” and later wrote, “Can’t wait to get started. The Giants fan base is amazing and full of energy. ”
Momentum for the deal was quick after Ryan switched agents on Sunday, hiring Joel Segal – who also represents Giants defensive players Lorenzo Carter and Dexter Lawrence. The Giants over the past few weeks have had several conversations with former Ryan agents Neil Schwartz and Jonathan Feinsod, but the Giants found the asking price – $ 10 million – too high for their liking. When the price fell, the Giants were aggressive in their pursuit.
According to the source, Ryan is a huge fan of Patrick Graham, the Giants’ new defensive coordinator, and also of Joe Judge, the new head coach. All three have worked with the Patriots.
Ryan, 29, must pass two COVID-19 tests and then pass a physical exam. He could sign the contract as early as Wednesday or Thursday. The judge gave his players leave on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the downsizing. So Ryan should be ready to train with the Giants for a full week before the Sept. 14 season opener against the Steelers.
When asked where the Giants plan to use Ryan, the source replied, “Everywhere. It’s a Swiss army knife. ”
This means a lunge cornerback, safety, tight end coverage and maybe an outside corner as well.
The giants needed reinforcements in their secondary. Cornerback DeAndre Baker, a 2019 first-round pick, is on the exonerated list, facing four counts of armed robberies in Florida. Cornerback Sam Beal has retired. Rookie Xavier McKinney, who is expected to start in free safety, has undergone surgery to repair a broken bone in his foot and will be out for 10 to 12 weeks.
Asked before the Ryan deal went public, whether adding a veteran’s help in the defensive backfield was a necessity, the judge played straightforward.
“Our goal is to develop guys on the roster,” he said. “It’s just a natural part of the National Football League, you have to be aware of the waiver thread and that is available on the street. It’s just our job, to find out who is available so that we can fill those positions as needed. ”
The judge and the Giants certainly knew Ryan’s availability. The judge demands versatility from his players, and Ryan offers a lot of that. The judge and Ryan were together in New England for two Super Bowl wins. Ryan showed no backsliding, starting all 16 games last season for the Titans. In 109 NFL games – 85 starts – Ryan has 17 career interceptions.
Prior to Ryan’s addition, the team’s only experienced cornerback was signing free agent James Bradberry. Grant Haley and Corey Ballentine are young and haven’t proven themselves. In safety, Jabrill Peppers is an established starter on the strong side, with second-year Julian Love in a bigger role, in McKinney’s absence.
There are a bunch of young defensive backs to sort out, including cornerbacks Dravon Askew-Henry, Jarren Williams, Prince Smith and Brandon Williams, and Safety Watch Hartage and Chris Williamson.
“Speaking of the pace of this training camp, in terms of where they would normally be, I think we just have to go ahead with these young guys and look at the progress they are making against the previous years, ”Judge said. “Because it’s not really about where someone is right now, it’s about where they will be in the long run and that’s what we have to look for. ”
Ryan will be on the scene soon to help wherever he is needed. The Giants refused to outdo themselves financially to have it and the wait game turned into a winner for them.
.
