Five-time pro bowler and former New Orleans Saint wide receiver, Jarvis Landry may make a surprising NFL comeback by starting his journey with the Jacksonville Jaguars. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the veteran wideout is expected to participate in the Jaguars’ rookie minicamp. The LSU product was selected in the 2014 NFL Draft as a second-round pick for the Miami Dolphins. Landry established himself as one of the league’s top slot wideouts during the first six years of his tenure.
During that span, he notched between 101 and 166 targets each season, eclipsing 1,100 yards three times. His output helped the veteran earn five consecutive Pro Bowl nods in his tenure with the Dolphins and Browns. However, his statistics have significantly dropped in his final two years with Cleveland. The LSU product was released by the Browns following his 2022 campaign after attempting to stay on the team on a less lucrative pact.
Landry attempted to join the Saints to restore his career by providing New Orleans with a complementary receiving option. However, injuries have been detrimental to his career where he was able to participate in nine contests with the Saints. His debut with New Orleans was impressive with seven catches for 114 receiving yards but there was consistency after. It’ll be interesting to see what gas he has left to contribute to a team’s receiving group.
The 31-year-old will participate in the Jaguars camp from May 10-11. It would allow Jacksonville to see what the receiver looks like on the field before any financial commitments. The camp will also feature the Jaguars first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Brian Thomas Jr., a wideout from LSU.
🚨 UPDATE
Free-agent WR Jarvis Landry expected to participate in Jacksonville Jaguars rookie camp
Career- 713 Receptions – 7,870 Yards – 28 TD pic.twitter.com/VCBlYfr6a3
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 29, 2024
Five-Time Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry May Make Surprising NFL Comeback
He’s Vocal About His Return
It’s a busy time for many teams across the league trying to add any last-minute veteran additions before camp opens up. Landry doesn’t have a guarantee that he will come back but he’s working his way to that. His addition would make sense for the Jaguars who already have two veteran wideouts; Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis. Zay Jones was recently released by the team which saves them $4.5 million against the salary cap.
However, it would be beneficial to Thomas Jr., who’s entering the team in his rookie year and is looking to make an impression. Landry was a key part of Cleveland’s culture shift after arriving in 2018. He carried a positive reputation with the team which could give him an edge that teams could consider. The 31-year-old has been active on social media about his return.
“I would never believe some of these guys are better than me. I just can’t see it,” he tweeted. “Ain’t no arguing going on. I don’t harbor bad feelings towards anyone.”
It’ll be interesting what he can showcase for Jacksonville. If it’s not them, here are other potential team fits for Landry that could make sense.
Potential Team Fits for Landry
The Los Angeles Chargers surprisingly need a receiver after taking two in the later rounds. They were able to acquire Cornelius Johnson and Brenden Rice, but none won’t be ready for week one. However, they could sign Landry on a one-year deal to jumpstart his NFL career under Jim Harbaugh while mentoring Rice and Johnson. Another option would be the Kansas City Chiefs despite drafting Xavier Worthy with their first-round selection.
The Chiefs are still lacking a veteran presence and size at the receiver position. The Rashee Rice suspension and Marquez Valdes-Scantling gone shows they’re lacking experience. They have Marquise Brown but he’s the lone veteran among the receiving group. One last team fit would be the Baltimore Ravens.
The team was not able to draft a receiver this year so this means after releasing Odell Beckham Jr., they need a veteran. They were able to extend Rashod Bateman’s contract but his injury track record isn’t a long-term solution for the team. Landry won’t provide an immediate impact but it would help the team’s veteran presence for WR3.
