The pool of free-agent wide receivers in the NFL got a little deeper when the Cleveland Browns released veteran Jarvis Landry. It was a no-brainer move for the Browns, as they saved from having to pay him his $15 million salary for the 2022 season. Now, he is looking for a new team, and the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, and New Orleans Saints are three potential options.
It left the Browns a little short-handed at the position, as they acquired Amari Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys but have little else behind him in the way of reliable depth. But, being able to save that kind of money was impossible to pass up.
Landry has now been a free agent for over a month and could remain one until the calendar turns to May. According to Tyler Dragon of USA Today, ‘the dust from the NFL Draft” settling is when Landry could sign as there will be a better idea of who still needs help at the position.
Teams are willing to wait until the draft because Landry has reportedly set an absurd asking price as a free agent. He is seeking $20 million per season, which no one is going to meet. Teams will draft rookies at a fraction of that price before coming back to Landry and offering him a deal.
Which teams could be in on Landry? There are quite a few that could certainly use some help at the position. Three of the teams to keep an eye on are the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints.
The Packers recently signed veteran Sammy Watkins, but they could certainly use some more help at wide receiver. They traded Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders and lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency to the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason.
The Atlanta Falcons have arguably the worst group of pass-catchers in the NFL with Calvin Ridley suspended for at least the 2022 season. Russell Gage Jr. also departed in free agency, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Landry would assume a huge rule in that offense along with tight end Kyle Pitts, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The New Orleans Saints were unable to spend much money this offseason because of their salary cap situation. They are hoping that Michael Thomas can return to the field this season and assume his role as the No. 1 receiver on the team. But, no one stepped up in his absence last season, so bringing in a seasoned veteran such as Jarvis Landry would be a good idea.
All three teams could look to add a wide receiver at some point in the draft. The Packers and Saints both have multiple first-round picks, so a wide receiver will certainly be in play with one of them. Atlanta is unlikely to select a wide receiver with their first-round pick, but at the top of the second round, that could be the direction they go in.
