Logan Ryan
The top free-agent prize in the cornerback group is without a doubt, seven-year veteran Logan Ryan, His career can be told in two parts and both prove why he’ll be the most sought after corner in free agency. Ryan’s career began in New England, where the Patriots drafted him in the third round with the 83rd overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft. He would spend four seasons with the empire, playing in all sixty-four games, while becoming one of the league’s best tackling and coverage corners. One of the most fundamentally sound cornerbacks in the league, he produced 243 tackles, 190 solos, five tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, six QB hits, four forced fumbles, 13 interceptions, 41 PBU’s and one touchdown. As you can see he was tested frequently and passed the test every time.
With his rookie contract up after the 2016 season and the history of the Patriots not paying up when the contracts of their star players end, they let Ryan test free agency. The Titans would step up and pay the man with a 3 year, $30m deal and Ryan’s second chapter would begin. He would still be that same playmaker in his three seasons there, in different ways from what he did in New England, but Ryan would be just as successful. As the top cornerback for Tennessee, teams wouldn’t attack him as much, but he would attack opponents more. The Titans utilized him in a prominent role as a blitzer and once again he would be successful. His first season in Tennesee was okay but it was when Mike Vrabel took over as head coach, that Ryan blossomed into a complete corner.
In the last two seasons, he has registered thirteen QB hits and 8.5 sacks. Those aren’t numbers you see routinely from a corner or even asked for a corner to attempt. Along with those numbers, he has played 45 games for the Titans while tallying 251 tackles, 177 solos, ten tackles for a loss, five forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 37 PBU’s.
Ryan is a special player who can do anything asked of him and do it at the highest of levels. His ability to be a swiss army knife from the corner position is special and that’s what teams will be lining up to pay him to do for them. Does Tennessee let him go to free agency? It’s possible, as they have to decide on what to do with Derrick Henry and at the quarterback position before they do anything else. With that said I do believe they will make him a sizable offer, whether it’ll be good enough or not. As right now I believe he stays a Titan, but anything can happen, especially when big money is available.
James Bradberry
One corner that could push Logan Ryan for being the top prize at the position is James Bradberry, drafted out of Samford by the Panthers in the second round, with the 62nd overall pick of 2016 NFL Draft. One of the biggest check marks on his resume is that he has had to play in the NFC South against superstar receivers such as Michael Thomas of the Saints, Julio Jones of the Falcons and Mike Evans of the Buccaneers, twice a year. That’s a true test if there ever was one. If you as a corner can hold up and produce against that competition, then you will get paid.
In his four seasons in Carolina, Bradberry has been that elite corner that plays on an island. He has tallied 279 tackles, 222 solos, seven tackles for a loss, three sacks, eight interceptions, and 47 PBU’s. If you’re a team looking for a shutdown corner, then Bradberry is the guy you want. Reports are that he’s seeking roughly $15m per year and for a player that caliber, that’s not that expensive. There is also the possibility that the Panthers use the franchise tag on him, and he’s on record saying he’d be okay with that. There are reports that as many as 22 teams have checked in on him and are beginning to line up with offers should he hit free agency.
A couple of the teams mentioned have been the New York Jets and Washington Redskins, both of whom clearly have needs at the position. Washington is a really interesting landing spot for a number of reasons. First is the obvious ties Bradberry has with head coach Ron Rivera, from his days as the Panthers’ head coach. Second, the Redskins have a ton of great pieces all over their defense, except at cornerback. They are moving on from Josh Norman and have some unproven youth, so Bradberry would be in my opinion a finishing piece to the puzzle for their defense. Finally, it’s well known that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has no issues or limits spending money on players. If they decide to go after Bradberry they will be the frontrunners, so any team that wishes to offer Bradberry will have to bring their A+ offer.
As for the Panthers, if they want to keep him, their best option is to franchise tag him and then try to work out a long term deal. I believe that Bradberry will follow the money and leave Carolina.
Chris Harris
While Ryan and Bradberry are the top prizes in this group, Harris will be pursued by a lot of teams as well. An undrafted rookie back in 2011, he has had quite a career. Nine seasons in the league with four Pro-Bowls, one All-Pro and a Super Bowl Championship. He has plenty of experience, production, and reliability.
Harris has played 139 games, while only missing five games over his career. His career production totals are 518 tackles, 443 solos, 23 for a loss, six forced fumbles, four recoveries, 20 interceptions, 86 PBU’s, with four touchdowns. He’s played all the corner spots and been very effective. Being an interchangeable piece is what defenses covet. He fits any scheme and can cover any spot of the field.
The Broncos brought him back on a one year deal this time last year and there was trade interest from the Lions right up to the trade deadline. That could be a possible landing spot for Harris if the Lions and Darius Slay can’t agree on a deal. Do the Broncos offer Harris enough for him to stay in Denver? Keep in mind he turned down a 2 year, $25m deal just a couple of years ago. This could be Harris’s last chance for a big contract but I’m not sure he’ll get what he wants.
Teams won’t pay him the same that they would Bradberry or Ryan. I also don’t see Denver offering much more than what they already have in the past. Harris will have to be patient and see how the market goes and decide what he’s willing to accept and where. I believe he leaves Denver and lands with a new team.
Thanks for reading my article and if 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 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
