In this series of articles, we are going to look at a few players that are still available on the NFL’s free-agent market. We’ll discuss what type of teams that these players are best suited for, any rumors around them and what to expect going forward. Surprisingly, there are still a few big names still without a team, as of now. Let’s jump right in and breakdown the best of what’s left.
The biggest name still on the market for the cornerbacks has to be Logan Ryan. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round, as the 83rd selection overall of the 2013 NFL Draft. Ryan spent the first four seasons of his career with the Patriots before he hit free agency and signed with the Tennessee Titans. His career has been a tale of two stories and in more ways than one. As I just mentioned he was drafted by the Patriots and during his time there, Ryan played in 64 games, making 40 starts. He would record 243 tackles, 190 solo, five tackles for a loss, six QB hits, 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, 13 interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and 41 pass breakups. He also would help the Patriots win two Super Bowls in his short time with the team. After his rookie contract was up with New England, they would let him walk and test free agency and thus would begin the next chapter of his career.
The second part of his career would begin when he signed a three year deal, worth $30 million, with the Tennessee Titans. Over the course of this contract, Ryan would play in and start all 45 games. He would produce 251 tackles, 177 solo, ten tackles for a loss, thirteen QB hits, 8.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 37 pass breakups. While Ryan had three great seasons in Tennessee, he will always be known for ending former teammate Tom Brady’s Patriot run and reign. In that game not only did he have the game-sealing pick-six off Brady, but he had six tackles as well.
With his contract with the Titans up, Ryan once again finds himself in a familiar position, as a free agent. Unfortunately for him, the market hasn’t been there for him as expected. There have been a number of cornerbacks get signed, but many have been for less money than what he’s expecting, or not as productive. As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, his career can be told in two parts and not just the different teams. In New England, Ryan was a ball-hawking corner, but in Tennessee he became more of a blitzing corner. Not that he wasn’t either for either team, but it’s just how they used him, and with that he became a complete cornerback. Here we are just a week or so form the NFL Draft and teams will surely address their needs, but once that is done, I expect stars like Ryan to get signed quickly. He’s reportedly been seeking the same type of deal he signed with Titans, at $10 million per year, but teams haven’t been willing to pony up, at least not yet. Again after the draft, he should see interest in him begin to increase. He may have to lower asking price down to the $8 million range or settle for a one-year prove-it deal. The longer this drags out the more it looks like he could go back to Tennessee, as they have stayed in contact with him and his agent. I mean that’s where everyone wants him to go, right? LOL!
Now, what does all this mean for us fantasy owners? Well right now, nothing! Until something happens we are all in a holding situation. As a cornerback, he’s the best fantasy option at that position. In leagues with special scoring, I have seen ranked in the top 20 overall. He is one of the few cornerbacks that is a legitimate fantasy option for all IDP formats. Where his value really stands out is in position-specific leagues. In those types of leagues, he is a championship-caliber piece, that can provide fantasy owners with high scoring value. Whether he goes back to Tennessee or somewhere else, I am buying all the shares I can of Ryan right now. With him not being on a team currently, his value is low. Flip your overpriced pieces for him, ask for him in any deal you make and reap the rewards that he will give your team. He is still productive and has a number of years of high-quality play left ahead, so grab him up while the price is cheap. If you’re selling Ryan, I advise against doing so, but like the Million Dollar Man, Ted DiBiase, once said, “Everyone has a price.” So if someone offers you a great deal, then take it and continue to grow your team. Every fantasy owner value players differently and only want the best for their teams. If you like the offer then take it, if not then hold. Again Ryan is at the top of his position scoring-wise and for me to trade him away, I want premium value back in return.
Thanks for reading my article and if you enjoyed it, you can read more of my articles at dynastyfootballfactory.com. You can also follow me on social media, on Twitter at Hollywood@DFF_DWin, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub I’m user KingTitan1 and you can tune in each week and listen to the podcasts, IDP Nation & D.I.G. (Devy IDP Grind) that I co-host, on a number of different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
