There was a chance Jarvis Landry remained with the Browns
By Chad Porto
The Cleveland Browns were willing to re-work Jarvis Landry’s deal.
The Cleveland Browns were not done trying to get Jarvis Landry to return to the team in 2022 but on a restructured deal. That report according to Ian Rapoport and other outlets. The story goes that Landry and the Browns were re-working the contract prior to the Amari Cooper deal. With $37 million in money between the two men alone, it seems impossible that Lanrdy would agree to the pay cut needed to keep the former Pro Bowler, meaning his time with the team is likely over.
According to some reports, the Kansas City Chiefs appear interested in Landry and the Browns may make it happen. They’ve given Landry permission to seek a trade, and are hoping to get some sort of compensation for the veteran.
It remains to be seen if that’ll end up happening.
Some believe Jarvis Landry will still return to the Cleveland Browns
Some on Twitter, some with unverified sources, claim the Browns and Landry may still yet come to a deal, but that seems more hopeful optimism than any real conversation. The fact is the Browns now need to cut salary and a lot of it. Guys like Austin Hooper, JC Tretter, and Landry are obvious choices, but the fact is that the Cooper trade should’ve never been made without a contract restructuring in place.
While Cooper is only $3 million+ more than Landry, the fact is neither man is worth $17 million, let alone $20. Cutting Cooper’s deal by $5 million is the only thing that can make this whole situation make more sense. Especially if the unlikely rumors of Landry wanting to stay to play with Cooper end up being true.
Cutting Tretter isn’t an option, not if they want cohesion on the offensive line. That means that Hooper becomes the likeliest candidate but after the cut, you’re only saving about $8 million. So if you cut Landry, that’ means you’re only saving $11 million. The Browns are already -$3 million in the hole.
They still need to add a second wide receiver, another linebacker, two defensive ends, and two defensive tackles. The trade for Cooper was great for the team on-field but it has destroyed the team’s cap.
This is where GM Andrew Berry can finally show off his “sophistication”.