Tennessee Titans: Kevin Byard scared to lose Logan Ryan in free agency

Logan Ryan is one of four key free agents for the Tennessee Titans this offseason and fellow teammate, Kevin Byard, would like him to stay.

Some of the best moments leading up to the Super Bowl are the interviews and information that leaks in the two weeks before the big game. We’ve already heard Kurt Warner express concern about Ryan Tannehill‘s ability to repeat his 2019 season throughout a long-term contract with the Tennessee Titans.

Now the team’s safety, Kevin Byard, is worried about losing a key member from this year’s roster: Logan Ryan.

The 29-year-old was signed to a lucrative three-year deal worth $30 million before the 2017 season. His first two years were not great by any means, but he performed very well in his contract year.

Ryan recorded 18 pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and four interceptions. He also tallied 113 total tackles, including 4.5 sacks. Byard spoke with Paul Kuharsky and expressed that his teammate may command more money in the free-agent market:

"“I’m a little scared because I know the kind of work he put in this year or just puts in, period. I’ve worked out with him on the offseason. I know the production. This guy was probably the most productive guy if not on our defense on our team this year.”"

I could see Ryan getting a similar deal like the one he signed with the Titans, but free agency is a tricky game, in that desperate teams will pony-up the dough to get their guys. He’s in the top three of free-agent corners who earned the most money in 2019 and was far more productive than both Chris Harris and Jimmy Smith.

If Ryan departs via free agency, the Titans are rather thin in quality cornerbacks with just Malcolm Butler, Adoree’ Jackson, and Kareem Orr on the roster. Jackson has primarily served as the team’s nickel corner, so a transition to the line-of-scrimmage likely isn’t in the cards for him.

They could explore the free-agent market in players who are still under the age of 30:

• Bradley Roby ($10M – 2019 salary)
• Ronald Darby ($6.5M)
• Darqueze Dennard ($4.5M)
• Eli Apple ($3.8M)
• Trae Waynes ($3.2M)

It would make the most sense for the Titans and Ryan to reunite next year, given he is already familiar with the defensive scheme and players’ habits. However, the NFL is a business, and if another team offers him more money, Jon Robinson could be looking for a new cornerback opposite Butler.