Buccaneers add veteran safety to defensive backfield
The Buccaneers continue to make moves as free agency marches on. And, this time, it's another one of Tom Brady's ex-teammates. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Buccaneers are planning to sign former Patriots/Titans/Giants safety Logan Ryan. Rapoport broke the news Friday morning on NFL Network's Good Morning Football. Logan was released by the Giants […]
The Buccaneers continue to make moves as free agency marches on. And, this time, it's another one of Tom Brady's ex-teammates. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Buccaneers are planning to sign former Patriots/Titans/Giants safety Logan Ryan.
Rapoport broke the news Friday morning on NFL Network's Good Morning Football. Logan was released by the Giants on Thursday and will now re-join Tom Brady, his teammate from 2013-2016.
It's unclear as to how Logan fits in considering the Buccaneers have two proven safeties in Antoine Winfield Jr. and Mike Edwards. Logan brings a ton of versatility and can play multiple positions in the secondary, so it's very plausible the Buccaneers could use a lot of three-safety sets in 2022. "Big nickel" is what the kids like to call it these days.
Regardless, the Buccaneers' decision to sign Ryan makes a lot of sense. Not only does he bring a heavy dose of leadership, but Ryan is a perfect fit for what Todd Bowles likes to do with his safeties. Ryan can defend the run, he can cover, and he can play the slot from time-to-time.
It was a somewhat-needed move, as well. The Buccaneers lost incumbent starter Jordan Whitehead to the Jets and they decided not to re-sign Andrew Adams. So, they needed another playmaker on the third level of the defense. Recent rumors were linking Tyrann Mathieu to the Buccaneers, but that appears to be out of the picture, now.
Ryan played in 15 games last year and recorded 117 total tackles, eight pass deflections, 1.0 sack, and 8.0 tackles for loss.
Featured image via Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
