Free agent linebacker DeMeco Ryans has made it clear that he’d like to continue his career in 2016, but appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio earlier today, the veteran defender also put forth a laundry list of requirements for any club that might express interest in him.
“At the end of the day, I would definitely like to play for a team that’s a contender, a team that really has a shot, a team that has good leadership at the top, good quarterback, there’s a good nucleus and it’s a team I can just come in and add some veteran leadership to,” said Ryans, who would be entering his age-32 season.
Ryans, released by the Eagles earlier this year, spent the last four seasons in Philadelphia after playing for the Texans for his first six years in the NFL. A two-time Pro Bowler in Houston, Ryans had two strong seasons with the Eagles before an Achilles injury and a reduced role slowed him down a little over the past two years. In 2015, he recorded 49 tackles to go along with an interception, a forced fumble, and five passes defended.
Ryans also said that he wouldn’t be picky about scheme, as he’s played in both 4-3 and 3-4 looks. But he also intimated that although a few teams have reached out to him over the past several months, he may not have a proposal thus far. “To me, there’s no interest until there’s an actual contract offer or something on the table,” Ryans said. “I haven’t had that yet.”
In June, Ryans sounded extremely comfortable with the idea that his career might be over. “Either way, I’m happy spending time with the family,” the veteran ‘backer said. “It’s just a blessing for me to be able to play 10 years in the NFL and have a great career. I have no regrets about it, so it’s great either way. If I could play again, that’ll be great. If not, that’s great as well.”
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.