Three potential landing spots for free agent Jarvis Landry
Five-time Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry is still one of the most highly regarded free agents in search of an NFL team for the upcoming 2022 season.
It’s been a difficult couple of years for the former second rounder. His production for the Cleveland Browns dropped significantly, while injuries plagued much of last season. He scored just two touchdowns in 2021.
Having taken Purdue WR David Bell in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, the Browns now seem keen on moving on from the veteran.
Whilst Bell can make plays on the outside, the Browns will more than likely utilise Bell to work in the slot position, rendering Landry an unimportant tool in the revamped offence now consisting of WR Amari Cooper and QB Deshaun Watson.
Most NFL teams recognise Landry to be a phenomenal talent. But the 2021 season did not match his usual standard.
Poor quarterback play is also partially to blame, with Baker Mayfield ranking 24th for yards thrown (3,010) and 22nd for touchdown passes (17). This consequently attributed to the veterans limited production.
A few months down the line and Landry is now faced with a position where only a handful of teams have more than $15 million left in cap.
So, one of the biggest questions left of this year’s crazy free agency is where will Landry end up?
Here are three potential landing spots for the receiver:
1) Baltimore Ravens
Jarvis Landry may yet stay in the AFC North, after receiving recent interest from division rivals the Baltimore Ravens.
Having traded away their No.1 Marquise Brown during the 2022 NFL draft (much to Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s discontent) the Ravens appear a likely contender. They need to inject some much-needed leadership to complement their young wide receiving class.
Ryan Mink, the Editorial Director for the Baltimore Ravens, has recently come out to admit interest in a move for Landry. “Feels like a classic Ravens right-player, right-price move” Mink said, who he believes would bring some ‘more dawg’ to the Ravens offense.
If the Ravens were to sign the veteran, he would likely come in as the starting slot receiver, pitched alongside Devin Duvernay and Rashod Batemen.
For Landry, this could be a really enticing move. Teaming up with Lamar Jackson would be a perfect start to rebuilding his career as a star receiver.
Despite not making the playoffs last season, Baltimore looks ready to bounce back. They have a decent chance to be a real super-bowl contender in 2022.
2) New Orleans Saints
Jarvis Landry could be heading back to his home state. Many are tipping the Saints to snap up the former LSU star WR.
Despite the preposterous situation they were in months ago, they seem to be in a position to make this move. Surprisingly, New Orleans still have around $19.5 million of cap space left for this season.
Despite trading up to acquire Ohio State wideout Chris Olave in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, PFF still deem Landry as the free agent that makes the most sense for the Saints to sign after the draft.
Last season, the Saints appeared to put all their eggs in one basket, thinking WR Michael Thomas could return from injury and solve their offensive issues. However, as we know, Thomas did not play in a single game in 2021.
The Saints could look to acquire Landry to sure up the veteran leadership and talent in this position. The former Dolphin would be a great fit for this rebuilding Saints offense.
With Landry doing his best work on shallow routes and working through the middle, this move could serve ignite the Saint’s offence. He would be a great complement to the burning pace and elite pass catching ability of Thomas and Olave.
3) New England Patriots
Could Landry be set to reunite with former Dolphin’s teammate DeVante Parker in a shock move to the AFC East?
NBC’s Peter King believes that “It would take Landry 15 minutes to become one of Bill Belichick’s favourites… His gritty, no-BS style on and off the field fits the Pats perfectly”.
However, the Patriots could struggle to meet Landry’s salary demands. Especially if Landry is demanding somewhere around the $15 million mark.
If the Patriots were to make the move, it would give second year QB Mac Jones another option.
Could they attain a similar relationship to former Patriot legends QB Tom Brady and retired WR Julian Edelman? Who knows!
The door is closing on Landry returning to Cleveland, he will sign for a new team very soon. New England could be the perfect option.
