The 11 riskiest free agents in the 2020 league year

Every acquisition carries risk. Who are some free agent options that require a bit more due diligence from teams before free agency begins?

Logan Ryan, CB, Tennessee Titans

(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

Logan Ryan is a solid NFL slot cornerback.

When it comes to free agency, however, there are some areas of concern for a team looking to acquire Ryan to bolster their cornerback corps. Last season Ryan notched five interceptions, four coming in the regular season and one in the playoffs, and those numbers would lead you to believe that Ryan is among the game’s elite slot cornerbacks.

However, there are other numbers to keep in mind when considering Ryan during free agency. According to PFF’s charting data, he was targeted 114 times this past season, which is most among cornerbacks in the NFL. That might come with the territory, given how often teams target their slot receivers, but he also gave up 80 receptions, again the most in the NFL. On those targets Ryan surrendered a passer rating of 97.8, and he gave up 11.8 yards per reception – a first down per catch.

In their two meetings against the Kansas City Chiefs, Ryan was targeted early and often. The result? 13 receptions for 202 yards and three touchdowns. Furthermore, the 11.8 yards per reception he surrendered in the regular season jumped to 13.8 in the postseason.

Again, Ryan is a solid option at slot corner, but if you are going to sign him you are going to want to make sure you have solid options on the boundary as well as at the safety spots. Ryan had 17 missed tackles in 2019, a career high, and he gave up a career-high 426 yards after the catch as a result. Make sure your defense is in position to mitigate potential damage.