Detroit Lions: Free Agent corner Logan Ryan shouldn’t be targeted
By Bob Heyrman
At one time, we had former New England Patriots and Tennessee Titians corner, Logan Ryan, as a potential free-agent target of the Detroit Lions. Things have changed, and Ryan should no longer be considered.
Logan Ryan has ties to Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patrica making him automatically a free-agent target. Before Detroit signed former pro-bowl corner Desmond Trufant who had been released by the Atlanta Falcons due to financial reasons, Ryan appeared to be the perfect candidate to replace Rashaan Melvin next season.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that Ryan is seeking not a penny less than $10 million per season on his new deal. Do the Lions have that money to spend? Yes. Should they spend it on Ryan? No.
Sure, the New England Patriots drafted Ryan back in 2013 with the 83rd overall pick in the third round of the NFL draft out of Rutgers. Patricia and Ryan spent four seasons together in New England.
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During those four years, Ryan only had one ‘down’ season; it was his second year as a professional. The three other seasons, he was an above-average corner and tremendous in coverage. Still, as the Patriots do so often, they allowed Ryan to seek a raise in free agency after his rookie deal expired. They have such an ‘onto the next’ mentality in New England, but it’s worked well for them. Belichick just finds cheaper players to plug and play.
The Detroit Lions have roughly $10 million left to spend in free agency if they wish, as they have about $30 million overall available but having another $10 million allocated to sign the upcoming rookie draft class. Perhaps some funds set aside to offer their star receiver Kenny Golladay a contract extension leaving the balance as an emergency fund to add a player or two during the regular season.
With the Detroit Lions having about $10 million to spend, why should they spend it all on Ryan after they’ve recently signed Trufant? If Detroit didn’t land Trufant, then sure Ryan would be a nice bandaid for Detroit. Trufant is coming off of a better year than Ryan carrying a solid 70.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, where Ryan produced just a 64.9 grade.
The Lions are in a perfect position to draft a number one corner in Jeffrey Okudah to replace standout Darius Slay, making Trufant an ideal number two. The Lions also have Justin Coleman and second-year man Amani Oruwariye, plus we can’t rule out drafting another cornerback in the middle of the draft.
Wouldn’t you rather see the Lions spend that $10 million on a pass-rusher? Sure, they won’t likely be willing to pay what it would take to land Jadeveon Clowney, but why not take a run at either Everson Griffen, Jabaal Sheard, or even a one-year reunion with Ziggy Ansah.
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It’s in Detroit’s best interest to steer clear of Ryan who is 29-years old now after allowing 80 receptions on 114 targets last season, accounting for a 70.2 percent catch rate against. Ryan allowed a career-high 940 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He did reel in four interceptions and produced 11 pass break-ups with the Titans last season.