Editor’s note: ESPN initial reports suggested the Giants would save $6.3 million with Ryan’s release. These reports turned out to be incorrect.
The New York Giants released a veteran defensive back on Thursday, but it wasn’t the one everyone was expecting.
Safety Logan Ryan, a defensive captain, was the released player, not cornerback James Bradberry, who the Giants still hope to trade.
Ryan announced his release and bid farewell via Twitter. The Giants then confirmed the trade.
Thank you NY ❤️ Captain Disconnect 🤙🏾 pic.twitter.com/Pl6m2Y3nJC
— Logan Ryan (@RealLoganRyan) March 17, 2022
Initial reports suggested the Giants would save an estimated $6.3 million in cap space based on contracted warranty dates. However, the actual savings will only be $775,000.
I deleted my Logan Ryan tweet. Apparently I got some bad information.
Turns out the move only saved $775,000.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) March 17, 2022
Final answer to this (probably): The Giants free up $775,000 in cap space by removing Logan Ryan, according to multiple sources. It was not a cost-cutting measure.
(I know there are reports that it’s over and there’s confusion about its guaranteed money back. But that’s my final answer for now). https://t.co/1c52YLuthr
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) March 17, 2022
The confusion with this is that Ryan has a quirk in his contract. Long story short, $5.5 million of his $9.25 million 2022 salary was fully guaranteed. Another $3 million would have become fully guaranteed if we were on the list tomorrow. So they had to cut it before tomorrow to save money.
—Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) March 17, 2022
Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reported early in the offseason that some members of the front office wanted out Ryan, who was a key supporter of Joe Judge.
There are people in the Giants front office who want to leave veteran safety, the Daily News has learned. But Ryan, who turned 31 on February 9, is a vital leader and contributor.
. . .
No one has delivered bad news to Ryan yet, as far as The News knows. It wouldn’t hurt if new defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale took over for Ryan. He brings significant value on and off the pitch.
In 15 games last season, Ryan recorded the lowest Pro Football Focus rating (60.4) of his career. He also allowed 81.4% of all targets in his direction to be caught, giving up three touchdowns in the process. He also missed 10 tackles.
