One of Harold Landry’s goals as he hits Free Agency
NASHVILLE — Edge rusher Harold Landry is set to enjoy his first foray into NFL Free Agency. The Tennessee Titans will have a difficult decision to make on whether or not Landry returns. Doing so would help keep one of the league's most dominant defensive fronts in-tact. Sources close to Landry say that "being the […]
NASHVILLE — Edge rusher Harold Landry is set to enjoy his first foray into NFL Free Agency. The Tennessee Titans will have a difficult decision to make on whether or not Landry returns.
Doing so would help keep one of the league's most dominant defensive fronts in-tact.
Sources close to Landry say that "being the top paid player in his meeting room" next season is among his main priorities. Tennessee 2021 acquisition Bud Dupree ( 5 years, $82.5 million) currently holds that title. An average annual value of $17 million on a second contract would be on par with spotrac.com's latest market valuation of a four-year deal worth $68.4 million.
Titans brass will take several factors into consideration.
Preserving Titans pass rush is worth it
The NFL salary cap for 2022 is expected to increase to $208.2 million, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported.
That is an increase of the maximum amount agreed upon ($25.7 million) by the NFL and NFL Players Association in May. Tennessee's salary cap space may look inflexible, but resigning Landry is possible. Defying the existence of the league's salary cap is foolish, but contracts can be manipulated in any number of ways to accommodate most situations.
Dupree's contract occupying the second largest percentage of the Titans 2022 cap (9.1%) at Landry's same position is less than ideal. Teams spending that kind of cash pass rushers is hardly without precedent. There are currently seven NFL franchises on track to spend more on edge defenders in 2022 than the Titans $31.4 million, according to Over The Cap.
Of everything Tennessee did well last season, the pass rush was the most impressive. The promise of returning Landry to a healthy group of Dupree, Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry is well worth the long-term investment.
Landry more than deserves it
The 2018 second-round pick will turn 26-years old this June.
Since appearing for the Titans in 15 games his rookie season, Landry has not missed a start in the last three years. His 22 quarterback hits and 12 sacks in 2021 were both career highs. Landry has also produced in the postseason with nine quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks and three tackles for loss in five playoff games.
When Tennessee players packed up their lockers after losing 19-16 in the Divisional Round, safety Kevin Byard stuck around to speak with the media. Dupree echoed the need to bring his teammate back.
“If I have to restructure my deal again like I did with Clowney (to keep Landry)," said Byard. "I'll do it."
Landry will surely see plenty of interest on the open market. To keep the Super Bowl window alive, the Titans might do well to match it.
Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.
