Account
Logan Ryan Says Jets Rumors Make 'A Lot of Sense,' Adds He's 'Open for Business'
May 14, 2020
Former New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan said Thursday he's "open for business" despite rumors he's close to signing with the New York Jets.
Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reported Tuesday the Jets held a "strong belief" they're close to signing the free-agent corner to a one-year contract. Ryan said the connection makes "a lot of sense" during an appearance on the NFL Network's Good Morning Football but added no deal is in place:
The 29-year-old New Jersey native noted he's still open to offers from 31 teams, having ruled out the Titans after they showed little interest in a reunion.
"It's just a business," Ryan said Sunday on the Double Coverage podcast (via ESPN's Turron Davenport). "Tennessee really never offered me a contract. They never really talked extension or free agency. They never really tried to bring me back."
The Rutgers product, who won two Super Bowl titles during his four years with the Patriots (2013-16), is coming off his best statistical season. He racked up 113 total tackles, 18 passes defended, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles in 16 regular-season appearances for Tennessee in 2019.
He added 25 tackles and an interception he returned for a touchdown against New England during the team's three-game playoff run to the AFC Championship Game.
Pro Football Focus recently ranked him as the third-best player still available on the open market behind only quarterback Cam Newton and edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
The Jets are a perfect fit on paper. They're expected to take a step forward in 2020, especially with Tom Brady's departure from the Patriots leaving the AFC East up for grabs, and a No. 1 corner is one of the last glaring needs they need to fill during the offseason.
Ryan would likely take over the task of guarding an opponent's top target, allowing the team's other corners to play roles their more accustomed to. It's a solid depth group led by Brian Poole, Pierre Desir and Nate Hairston.
The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among the other NFL teams that may still be in the market for an upgrade at the position ahead of the 2020 campaign.