Dave Gettleman is gone, but the Giants are still feeling the impact of their former general manager’s failed decisions.
The latest reminder came Friday, when news emerged that former Giants safety Logan Ryan — now with the Buccaneers — has filed a grievance against the organization, hoping to get more money. Which would impact the Giants’ already pinched salary cap situation.
The Giants released Ryan last month. He was due to make an $8.5 million salary in 2022 — $5.5 million of which was fully guaranteed. The other $3 million was guaranteed against injury. But Ryan had finger surgery after the season, so he wants the full $8.5 million because new Giants GM Joe Schoen released him after the surgery, according to The Athletic.
In the meantime, as the grievance is resolved, 40% of the disputed $3 million ($1.2 million) counts against the Giants’ cap, according to The Athletic. That’s less than ideal for Schoen, who just had to restructure cornerback Adoree’ Jackson’s contract in order to free up $6 million in cap space.
Gettleman left Schoen in cap hell because he handed out terrible contracts. One of Gettleman’s most notable bad deals was given to wide receiver Kenny Golladay, who had an awful debut season for the Giants last year and will have collected about $36 million from them by the end of this season. His 2022 cap hit — $21.15 million.
Gettleman also gave Ryan — who played at Eastern Regional High in Voorhees and then at Rutgers — a contract extension after he impressed on a one-year contract in 2020. Ryan got a three-year extension, through 2023. And then Gettleman — desperate for cap space — reworked the deal before last season.
Even if Ryan loses his grievance, the Giants are still on the hook for that $5.5 million in fully guaranteed salary owed to him in 2022.
Bottom line: The Giants will wind up paying Ryan at least $22.05 million for two seasons of work in 2020 and 2021, according to spotrac.com. And it might be $3 million more than that, depending on the outcome of Ryan’s grievance.
Ryan, who turned 31 in February, was absolutely not worth that type of money. In 2020, he finished 40th in Pro Football Focus’ safety ratings (minimum 50% of snaps played), including 43rd in coverage. In 2021, he was 45th overall and 56th in coverage.
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Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com.
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