As NFL teams continue to make moves in 2022 free agency, rumors continue to swirl around WR Jarvis Landry. What are the latest reports and NFL rumors saying about where Landry could play in 2022 and beyond?
Jarvis Landry Rumors
After the two sides attempted to restructure his contract to keep him in Cleveland, Landry was granted his release from the Browns, allowing him to sign with any team during free agency.
Initially, the Browns granted Landry permission to seek a trade after Cleveland acquired Amari Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys. Instead, they opted to release the five-time Pro Bowler.
Landry struggled last season due to a knee sprain he suffered in Week 2, an injury that kept him out for five weeks. He finished the 2021 season with 52 receptions, 570 yards, and 4 total touchdowns, which were all career lows.
Heading into Year 9 in the NFL, Landry hopes a fresh start with a new team will help get him back to producing at a high level. If rumors are to be believed, several teams are in the mix for Landry.
The Saints and Chiefs have “expressed the most interest” in Landry
As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on March 14, both the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints are the two teams that have “expressed the most interest” in the former Browns receiver.
From a roster perspective, both teams make sense for Landry if these rumors still hold true. The Chiefs have been looking for a No. 2 option to play alongside Tyreek Hill. Landry is a crisp route runner with experience on both the perimeter and in the slot (59% in 2021).
Before last year, Landry had 840+ yards in six straight seasons, including five of six with 975 yards or more. In a now ultra-competitive AFC West, adding Landry to the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City offense could be just what the team needs to maintain its stranglehold on the division’s top spot.
The Saints rumor for Landry is a bit more intriguing. Schematically, it’s a great fit. Landry would be able to give the Saints a legitimate No. 2 option alongside one of the best intermediate route runners in the NFL in Michael Thomas. It would allow Marquez Callaway to remain on the perimeter as a field stretcher.
The question is, would Landy be receiving passes from Deshaun Watson? I don’t see the Saints, who, along with the Falcons, are among the final two teams in contention to land Watson, wanting to bring in Watson with no pass-catching targets. If he is traded to the Saints, the next domino that could fall might be New Orleans signing Landry.
Atlanta Falcons are also rumored to be in on Landry
It should be no surprise the Falcons are shopping around for receivers. Not only is Calvin Ridley suspended for the 2022 season, but Atlanta allowed Russell Gage to move on and sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Gage had back-to-back seasons of 700+ yards for the Falcons, as his role increased following injuries to Julio Jones in 2020 and Ridley stepping away from the game last season. Currently, the Falcons’ receiver room consists of Olamide Zaccheaus, Frank Darby, Austin Trammell, and Chad Hansen.
While I would suspect the Falcons would be far from done, adding Landry would be a substantial first step to bolstering their pass catchers. After all, Kyle Pitts can’t do it all by himself.
Much like the Saints, the Falcons are reportedly in the Watson sweepstakes. They have been linked as one of the final two teams in the running. Whether it is Matt Ryan or Watson under center, either QB needs more help at receiver, and Landry could be just that.
Green Bay and Buffalo are interested in Landry
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Packers expressed interest in Landry as well. However, there are some conflicting reports about Green Bay’s interest.
Josina Anderson of USA Today reported on March 14 that the Packers were not expected to be a team interested in Landry. This would have to be a salary cap situation, as his talent is not in question. The Packers are just $2.61 million under the cap.
Also, the Packers were able to keep Randall Cobb thanks to a substantial pay cut. Like Landry, Cobb works in the slot, so Green Bay may no longer be a fit for the ex-Brown.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bills are also interested in Landry, which is very intriguing. Buffalo is a Super Bowl contender with an elite QB and a locked-in No. 1 option. Also, the Bills still have plenty of salary cap space at their disposal ($13.52 million). If Landry wants to go to a championship-level team, the Bills check all the boxes.