The Seahawks could pursue cornerback Logan Ryan

With the unexpected turn of events surrounding Quinton Dunbar, the Seahawks will likely be in the market for another cornerback. Could Logan Ryan be a fit?

The Seahawks appeared to be all set at cornerback after trading for Quinton Dunbar before the draft. Dunbar looked in all parts to be a perfect fit schematically for the team and he had the drive and will to be successful. However, after reports surfaced yesterday about Dunbar’s alleged armed robbery, it appears the Seahawks will be once again in the market for a cornerback.

Logan Ryan has been a beacon of consistency in the NFL. He has posted a PFF grade between 62.3 and 75 in all but one of his seven NFL seasons. Last season, he accumulated 113 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions and 18 passes defended. He allowed a completion percentage of 66%.

To put these numbers into perspective: he would have ranked third on the team in tackles, tied for 6th in TFL, first in sacks, tied for first in forced fumbles, first in interceptions, and first in passes defended. He was an absolute force for the Titans last season. The Seahawks need playmakers and Ryan could definitely provide that.

He is entering his age 29 NFL season and has not shown many signs of slowing down. The only wear and tear I can see would be that 41% of his career missed tackles (49) came in 2019 (20). This is undoubtedly due in part because of the exposure. I mean he had a career high 113 tackles, which is a lot for a cornerback. Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers combined for a total of 147 tackles last season. Ryan was also the most targeted cornerback in the NFL last season (114) and allowed the most receptions in the NFL (80).

So, the question would be remain, why has he not signed thus far in free agency? This is two-part answer. First, he is a career slot corner. Sure, he could transition to outside, but he is 29 years old and may resist moving outside where he has made a name for himself in the slot. The second, he simply won’t accept a contract unless it is on par or superior to the previous contract he played on.

His contract with the Tennessee Titans from 2017-2019:

• Terms: 3 years, $30 million
• Avg Salary: $10 million
• Guaranteed: $16 million

This is where the crux really lies. Its very hard for me to see Seattle dump $10 million or more into a player, if it is a short-term deal. Considering the contract would be with a player quickly entering the wrong side of 30, it likely would be a short term deal. Cap space may be flexible; however, short term deals are not malleable. This isn’t even considering they will likely be looking to extend Shaquille Griffin in the near future. Its hard to see them paying big money for two cornerbacks.

If Logan Ryan were to accept something in the ballpark $6-$8 million on a 1- or 2-year deal, I think this could have some legs. However, if he sticks to his guns, as he has so far, I don’t see Logan Ryan as a logical option for Seattle to pursue.