The Cleveland Browns had a disappointing 2021 season, missing out on the playoffs with an 8-9 record. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was injury-riddled most of the year, which has led to reports that the team could be interested in trading for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.
With these rumors surrounding the team, it seems that the Browns may be trying to blow up their roster going forward. Reports came out Monday that they are releasing five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Landry requested that the team trade him on Saturday, but it seems like they could not find any suitable deals. He will now be free to join any team in free agency this offseason.
Landry had his struggles with the Browns last season, having the worst statistical year of his career with only 570 receiving yards in 12 games played.
Given the talent that Landry has, fans of other NFL teams around the league seem to be hoping they’ll claim the wideout in free agency.
Tyreke Hill on one side, Landry on the other, with Kelce rolling around the middle. Yikes https://t.co/oQK9fyu6uD
— Christopher D. White (@ZanderKelly30) March 14, 2022
Future Philadelphia Eagle Jarvis Landry https://t.co/5xRf60DCXJ
— Daniel Olinger (@dan_olinger) March 14, 2022
Another WR on the market the #Bears could target https://t.co/ppEXIQeSz7
— Alyssa Barbieri (@AlyssaBarbieri) March 14, 2022
Meanwhile, Browns fans also recognize how big of a loss this could be for the team moving forward and are certainly not pleased. The team did pick up Amari Cooper in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, but regardless, Landry played a big role on the team for many years and he leaves a hole behind with the fanbase.
Played his butt off in Cleveland and fully embraced the city. Don’t ever diminish jarvis’ impact on and off the field. https://t.co/8P9zuQ3jLf
— Chris Rose (@ChrisRose) March 14, 2022
THANK YOU @God_Son80. You were a huge part in us witnessing a culture shift in the city and you will be appreciated here FOREVER https://t.co/mQzZlczfNB
— Kimono P (@_Polo8) March 14, 2022
I can’t lie: I’m going to miss him. A lot. 😢 https://t.co/GLC9WcBhO2
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) March 14, 2022
He changed the culture, played hurt, was in bad situations for him but never complained. Dude is a warrior. Nothing but good things to say about Jarvis Landry. https://t.co/7BfkaZnfw1
— Aaron D. (@CoachAirDry) March 14, 2022
Regardless, it certainly seems like Landry was fed up with all of the drama going on in Cleveland the past couple of years.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport said Monday that two teams that could be potential fits for Landry are the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs. Either would certainly be an interesting fit given both teams have such high-powered offenses.
The #Bills and #Chiefs are two teams to watch… https://t.co/L9p341otHJ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2022
It’s worth noting the close relationship that Landry had with former Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr, who was released by the team in the middle of last season. How that relationship ended, especially the very public rivalry between Beckham and Mayfield certainly could have played a role in Landry’s departure.
