The Bucs aren’t done making moves in free agency just yet. Far from it. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tampa Bay is signing veteran defensive back Logan Ryan, Tom Brady’s former teammate. Ryan was recently released by the Giants, after playing there for two years. The 31-year old spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with Brady in New England.

Ryan is perhaps most famous for being the last player to catch a Brady pass while the quarterback donned a Patriots uniform. Playing for the Titans in the 2019 playoffs, Ryan’s pick-six of Brady sealed a 20-13 New England loss. Brady left for Tampa Bay that offseason, where he went on to win his seventh Super Bowl.

Ryan has toiled in New York as the defensive captain of an up-and-down unit since 2020. He’s been asked to fill a lot of roles, but the 5-11, 195-pound safety has played mostly free safety. Ryan’s calling card has always been his scheme and role versatility, which fits the Bucs’ perfectly. In Tampa Bay, he’s likely to play more of a slot cornerback role, while Antoine Winfield plays free safety. However, Ryan and Winfield may be more interchangeable than Winfield and Jordan Whitehead were in the past.

What Ryan Brings To Bucs

Where Ryan has really stood out in his NFL career is as a run defender and as a tackler. He’s excelled as a physical football player who will come downhill and finish the job. The Rutgers product may not be a big hitter, but he’s consistent and reliable. He’s also one of the smartest and most vocal defensive backs in the NFL. His leadership will be crucial to Tampa Bay’s still-young secondary.

In an offseason full of good moves, this looks like another one by GM Jason Licht. Ryan is aging, but he’s missed just five games in his career and two over the past three seasons. He’ll benefit from playing for a much more functional franchise again, especially if he gets to return to the slot. Expect to see Ryan’s versatility give the Bucs quite a few options in their secondary.