The Dallas Cowboys bolstered the cornerback position during last week’s NFL Draft, selecting Trevon Diggs and Reggie Robinson. Should the Cowboys now be content at CB for 2020, or could they get even better with veteran free agent Logan Ryan?
The best CB on the market right now, Ryan just turned 29 and is coming off a great season with the Tennessee Titans with four interceptions as a full-time starter. His contract expired this year and Tennessee opted to get younger at the position rather than pay the veteran what he’s due.
The Cowboys just lost their top cornerback when Byron Jones signed with the Miami Dolphins in March. But while Jones’ new deal averages $16.5 million per season, the older Logan Ryan is reportedly looking for only about $10 million per year.
To be fair, Dallas is already bringing a lot of bodies to the CB camp battle in 2020. They still have Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis, re-signed Anthony Brown and C.J. Goodwin, added the two rookies, and signed free agent Maurice Canady.
That’s already 1-2 more players than they’d likely keep on the active roster. Goodwin is a predictable cut if they keep six corners. But if they only keep five then, the Cowboys are already facing a potentially tough decision.
But numbers are one thing and talent is another. Logan Ryan would easily by a top-3 player on this group if added, and he just might be your best cornerback in 2020 depending on what Awuzie and Lewis do.
Veteran leadership is another big reason to consider Ryan. While young, Byron Jones was a model citizen and leader for the locker room and the CB group. Dallas could use someone to fill that role and especially with the two rookies coming on.
Remember, Awuzie and Lewis are both free agents next year. They may not be too motivated to help groom their possible replacements.
Finances may be the biggest issue here. The Cowboys have a little over $10 million in cap space right now and still need to sign their rookies, which one source estimates at about $7 million.
However, Dallas still has $8 million in cap space to be gained by cutting Tyrone Crawford. They also could free up space if they sign Dak Prescott to a long-term deal soon. That one-year crunch on the franchise tag can look a lot different with multiple years to work with.
Also, the report of Logan Ryan wanting $10 million was back on March 19th. Spending another 5 1/2 weeks without a job can do a lot to make players more flexible, and especially once the Draft comes and goes. Ryan’s asking price may have come down a bit now.
This is just one way that Dallas could still improve the roster during the remainder of the offseason. Perhaps you’d prefer another pass rusher like Jadeveon Clowney or a cheaper option like Markus Golden. Maybe you’d like one more proven player at receiver, linebacker, or safety, or perhaps a veteran swing tackle.
Heck, what about Cam Newton or Joe Flacco for backup QB?
We’ll get into some more of these options in the coming days. But for now, CB Logan Ryan is one of the most attractive. He could provide an instant boost of talent in the secondary and a much-needed veteran among so many young prospects.
