ESPN grades Tennessee Titans' decision to extend Harold Landry
The Tennessee Titans made a splash this week by signing linebacker Harold Landry to a five-year extension worth $87.5 million (including $52.5 million in guaranteed money). Tennessee's decision to extend Landry came just hours after they declined to use the franchise tag on the Pro-Bowl pass rusher. Landry is a former second-round pick who broke […]
The Tennessee Titans made a splash this week by signing linebacker Harold Landry to a five-year extension worth $87.5 million (including $52.5 million in guaranteed money).
Tennessee's decision to extend Landry came just hours after they declined to use the franchise tag on the Pro-Bowl pass rusher.
Landry is a former second-round pick who broke out in a big way in 2021, totaling 12 sacks, 75 tackles, and 14 tackles for loss (all career highs). The former Boston College standout was expected to command a large contract in free agency, but the Titans locked him up before his price could go up any further.
On Wednesday, ESPN graded all of the "big moves" that have gone down so far this offseason.
And they gave the Titans' extension of Landry a "B+".
Landry has put up decent sack numbers in his career, with 31 over four seasons, capped by a 12-sack performance in his contract year. He's also durable, having played in all but one of the Titans' games during the past four years.
But his other metrics are a little less clear. Landry ranked No. 34 among NFL edge rushers last season in pass rush win rate (13.8%), for example. Some pass-rushers are consistently disruptive, and some have sack numbers that make it appear they are consistently disruptive. And it wouldn't be outlandish to think of Landry in the latter category.
Titans general manager Jon Robinson has built a culture in Nashville where players who perform at a high level get rewarded with long-term contracts. Not only does this build morale, but it also entices free agents to join the Titans — because they know if they prove their worth, Robinson will pay them.
This might have been a slight overpay for Landry. But it was worth it. Tennessee knows what Landry offers. They also know he's not perfect, as evidenced by some of his metrics, but he clearly plays a big role in the Titans' defense. And that's not easily replaceable.
Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
