Titans like what they got in ex-Pat Ryan
PHOENIX — First and foremost, Titans coach Mike Mularkey recognized cornerback Logan Ryan’s entire body of work was worthy of a three-year, $30 million contract in free agency.
Peel back the layers, and there were two more intriguing factors that drew him to Ryan, who brings a Super Bowl pedigree to a young team that is ascending.
“It certainly added a lot of value with the signing,” Mularkey said during yesterday’s coaches breakfast at the NFL meetings. “He has been there, has won a world championship, has been in an organization that has been consistent in winning. He does a lot of things other than just being a very good player on the field. There are a lot of things off the field that we like about him, including his family life, everything. He is a complete player.”
Plus, Ryan has shut down Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins during their last three meetings. That’s not lost on Mularkey, considering Hopkins has torched the Titans for four years.
“It definitely helps,” Mularkey said. “You’re obviously more familiar with your division and the players in it, so that definitely helps.”
Sheard madness
Defensive end Jabaal Sheard almost certainly wasn’t going to return to the Patriots after two fairly productive seasons, primarily because he was set to get a major payday. Colts coach Chuck Pagano explained why Sheard was worth a three-year, $25.5 million contract.
“Tough, hardnosed, rugged,” Pagano said. “We did Jabaal coming out. Jabaal has played in similar systems. Terminology-wise, scheme-wise, he is a great fit for us. He is a great edge setter, strong at the point, certainly can rush the passer. We feel like his best football is ahead of him.”
The Colts also snagged special teamer Barkevious Mingo on a oneyear, $2.5 million pact. Mingo was a valued special teamer last season for the Patriots but couldn’t get on the field defensively. Pagano said defensive coordinator Ted Monachino and linebackers coach Brad White will carve out a bigger job for Mingo.
“He is a big, long, athletic guy,” Pagano said. “He can really run as we all know. We know he is going to be a four-core special teams guy. I think there’s a spot (on defense). I think New England last year did a great job trying to find a role for him with some different packages, and we’ll do the same.”
No comment
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin evaded questions regarding their courtship of linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who returned to the Patriots after a week in free agency.
“I’m not going to talk about guys that aren’t on my team,” he said.