A report from the New York Daily News surfaced on Friday that said the Jets are attempting to "free up money" to try and nab veteran free agent CB Logan Ryan.
Adding Ryan would be a solid move for a Jets defense that definitely could use more help in their secondary, especially in a starting role.
The Jets may have already brought in another veteran corner in Pierre Desir as well as re-signing players like Brian Poole and Arthur Maulet. But they still have a big question mark at the starting outside corner role opposite Desir on the depth chart. Trumaine Johnson and Darryl Roberts, the team's starters entering 2019 training camp, both were cut this offseason.
New York could fill that hole using an internal option like Blessuan Austin or Maulet, or even look to the 2020 NFL Draft for more reinforcements that wouldn't cost as much. But Ryan's price tag shouldn't be too high since he's been sitting on the market, and he's a proven commodity in the league.
Ryan is coming off his best season in the NFL, as offenses weren't afraid to target him last season with the Tennessee Titans. He received 103 targets, but quarterbacks only saw an 88.7 passer rating over his 16 games. He also set a career-high in tackles (113), sacks (4.5), quarterback hits (8), and passes defended (18).
As you'd expect, though, 103 targets would lead to Ryan getting beat once or twice. He let up five touchdowns but he also had four interceptions and four forced fumbles to balance that out.
Ryan, 29, has been with the Titans for the past three seasons after spending his first four in New England with the Patriots after getting drafted in the third round in the 2013 NFL Draft. So that time up north has Ryan fully aware of how the AFC East works under Bill Belichick's system.
Ryan is also a native of this area, having grown up in Voorhees, NJ and played his college ball at Rutgers.
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All the signs point to this being a smart move for the Jets. According to SNY's Ralph Vacchiano, Ryan is seeking a short-term deal worth around $10 million per season, similar to his last contract with the Titans which was three years and $30 million. According to OverTheCap.com, the Jets have a little under $19 million in cap space still left to spend, but they have numerous ways to make more space if they really want him on their squad.
It's fair to think defensive coordinator Gregg Williams would love to be able to use Ryan in his scheme, given his aggressive nature and results when blitzing (he did so 40 times last year under Mike Vrabel). He's seen success whether it's covering or attacking the backfield, and he's clearly a solid tackler with that number from last season.
GM Joe Douglas will surely add a corner in the draft, as having more depth there couldn't hurt. But finding a starter-worthy prospect might not be in the cards for the Jets, who need to fill other needs (offensive line, wide receiver) with their early-round slots. And trusting someone like Austin or Maulet could work out, but it is a big risk.
As we said, Ryan is a proven talent that could step in and start right away. If the finances make sense, this could be the move that solidifies a strong secondary with another great veteran presence.