As Tennessee Titans pass rusher Harold Landry III heads towards the end of his fourth season, his potential landing spots as a free agent are coming into sharp focus. Let’s take a look at how Landry has performed during his rookie contract, whether he could remain in Tennessee, and where might be his potential destinations as a 2022 NFL free agent.
Harold Landry Landing Spots
Landry’s career has been a good one in the NFL so far. Since being drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft from Boston College, he has impressed. Entering Week 16, Landry has 30 sacks, 246 combined tackles, 40 tackles for loss, and 65 QB hits in his career.
Landry’s 30 sacks during that period place him 19th overall in the league. Meanwhile, he is tied for 13th in tackles for loss and tied for 20th in QB hits. A large chunk of his production has come in 2021, with 11 of his 30 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 21 QB hits this season already.
There have been reports that Landry and the Titans are discussing a contract extension. That is hardly a surprise given the consistency and the upside the young pass rusher has demonstrated in his career. The question is whether the Titans can afford him, given they have just a projected $11.5 million in cap space next season.
Given that Landry is likely to command a big contract, it could be fascinating if he reaches free agency. There should be a number of teams interested, and quite the bidding war could ensue. Let’s take a look at the potential landing spots for Landry this season.
Could Landry be a perfect replacement for Von Miller in Denver?
The Broncos showed Von Miller the door at the trade deadline, and it has somewhat left a hole in their pass-rushing ranks. What they have had in terms of other pass-rushing options have questionable futures. Malik Reed is a restricted free agent, while Stephen Weatherly is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Thus, could the Broncos look for Landry to come in and be the experienced pass rusher to replace Miller? Jonathon Cooper has flashed in moments in his rookie year, while Bradley Chubb continues to be an injury concern. The Broncos are set to enter the offseason with around $50 million in cap space, so they could certainly afford a luxury addition like Landry.
The Los Angeles Chargers have the cap space and need a pass rusher opposite Joey Bosa
On the powder blue side of Los Angeles, the pass rush could be a big emphasis this offseason. The Chargers have a star in Joey Bosa, but beyond that, the future is uncertain. Kyler Fackrell and Uchenna Nwosu are set to be free agents. That would leave Chris Rumph II potentially partnering with Bosa.
Therefore, the Chargers could look to the free-agent market in 2022 to boost their pass-rush options. The Chargers have the cap space — with a potential $72.8 million — so they could certainly afford to bring in Landry. A duo of Landry and Bosa, combined with Jerry Tillery, would make for a very scary trio.
Landry could be another potential high-profile addition for the Los Angeles Rams
It is somewhat odd that we are discussing Landry as a replacement for Miller in two places, but that is the situation. Assuming Miller hits free agency this offseason, the Rams may want a star pass rusher to pair with Leonard Floyd. They have some intriguing young options but no one of Landry’s quality.
Cap space could be the issue for the royal blue side of Los Angeles as they are set to have just $3.3 million in cap space. However, we have seen that they are never shy of restructuring contracts in order to acquire the player they want. Landry could be a potential superstar replacing Miller in Los Angeles.
Could we see the Dolphins dip into the pass-rusher market in 2021?
The Dolphins are likely going to be looking to add a veteran pass rusher this offseason. Therefore, this is an intriguing landing spot for Landry. Firstly, the Dolphins will have around $75 million in cap space, so they have the funds to chase a star at the position. Additionally, they will have a major hole on one side of their pass rush.
With Emmanuel Ogbah likely hitting free agency, the Dolphins may need a star for their pass rush to center around. Jaelan Phillips has impressed as a rookie, and Andrew Van Ginkel has had starring moments. Yet, the Dolphins may feel neither is ready to lead their pass rush. If so, Landry could be the ideal fit.
The New York Giants could add Landry as their veteran pass-rush option
In Quincy Roche and Azeez Ojulari, the Giants have a pair of promising pass rushers. However, they lack a veteran presence, which is the role Landry could fill. In the modern NFL, you can never have too many pass rushers.
The rotational nature of the position means that depth is crucial. If the Giants have a starting pair of Ojulari and Landry, with Roche as a rotational piece, they could have one of the most intriguing pass-rushing groups in the league. With just $3.5 million in projected cap space, financing the move could be an issue. That is especially the case given their offensive line has to be a focus this offseason.