Another day and another bombshell announcement in the Cleveland Twitterverse.
The latest buzz comes courtesy of Jarvis Landry announcing that he’d like to stay in Cleveland, but he and the Browns have yet to come to terms in regards to the fifth and final year of his contract.
“I have put the ball in CLE court by telling I would like to stay but if not then I’m confident enough in myself to be a better healthy me this year and moving forward to helping do my part in winning a championship elsewhere.”
3/3 I have put the ball in CLE court by telling them I would like to stay but if not then I’m confident enough in myself to be a better healthy me this year and moving forward to helping do my part in winning a championship elsewhere.
— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) February 22, 2022
The Details
The 2021-2022 season was the fourth year of a 5-year $77,500,000 contract that Landry signed in 2017.
Landry is slated to make over $16 million in the final year of his contract and the Browns are looking to reduce that amount.
Were the Browns to cut Landry, it would save them $14.8 million against the salary cap and would free them up to pursue other options.
However, Landry has made it clear that he doesn’t want to go anywhere, but it’s unclear if he’s willing to take less money than he was promised in his contract.
Is Landry Worth the Money?
While Landry has solidified himself as a fan favorite and a locker room leader, his performance on the field has been underwhelming.
Landry played for the Miami Dolphins for four seasons before joining the Browns.
In his final three seasons with Miami, Landry had at least 100 receptions or 1,000 yards each season.
His final season was arguably his best with the Dolphins as he garnered 112 receptions for 987 yards and a career-high 9 touchdowns.
However, since joining the Browns, Landry has eclipsed 1,000 yards just once, has eclipsed 80 receptions just twice, and has a total of 15 receiving touchdowns in four seasons.
Worst of all, Landry’s numbers have gotten progressively worse in the last two years of his contract with 2021 being his worst year of all.
During that campaign, Landry collected just 52 catches for 570 yards and 2 touchdowns.
However, Landry made it clear during his morning Twitter barrage that he was injured for the 2021-2022 season and attempted to make a comeback prematurely.
1/2 Reality behind all this is I came back to play in the best shape of my life, I got hurt week 2 with a high grade MCL Sprain,Partial quad tear and bone bruise. Then came back way to early and ended up staying hurt the entire season. You never heard me mention anything about it
— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) February 22, 2022
2/3 Also my media availability didn’t happen because I was focused on getting on the field as healthy as possible during the week and after games.. a strategic plan was set in place to be followed. I put the ball in CLE court by telling them I would like to stay but if not then
— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) February 22, 2022
Landry’s base earning of $16.3 million in 2022 would make him the eleventh-highest paid player at wide receiver.
What are the Options?
The options that Landry and the Browns have are simple.
Cleveland can pay him the money, but that’s an unlikely scenario.
Landry has also been rumored in numerous trade talks and despite his hefty contract, he’s still a talented receiver that contenders would love to have on their team.
The third option is that Landry and the Browns come to terms on a new contract in which he’s making less money than what he’s slated to make.
In the history of the NFL, few players have been willing to do this, and it’s unlikely that Landry will agree to it.
Finally, the Browns could cut Landry, similarly to how they cut OBJ in the middle of last season.
The move would save the Browns over $14 million and it would free Landry up to sign with whomever he wishes.
No matter what Landry and the Browns decide to do, Landry has made it clear that he wants to be in Cleveland.
What remains unclear is what the Browns plan to do and what the future holds for both parties.
NEXT: 3 Players Browns Fans Should Watch At The Combine
I like Jarvis and what he brings to the Browns on & off the field, class. He has proven to be a very good receiver, better than OBJ in my opinion and he wants to play here. He played hurt last year with a hurt quarterback. I say keep him for his 5th year and you won’t regret it. For years you couldn’t find players wanting to play in Cleveland. Believe me I know, I’m a 42 year season ticket member. Honor the contract you signed Cleveland & keep him for this last year. After that resign him or let him go. Your a good man #80. Thank you for wanting to play in Cleveland.