New England Patriots: Another Wide Receiver Option
There has been extensive coverage regarding the Patriots' pursuit of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins since his release from the Arizona Cardinals last month. However, Mike Reiss's report today stating that the Tennessee Titans have made a more aggressive offer than the Patriots only adds more uncertainty to the Patriots' future at wide receiver. Given the […]
There has been extensive coverage regarding the Patriots' pursuit of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins since his release from the Arizona Cardinals last month. However, Mike Reiss's report today stating that the Tennessee Titans have made a more aggressive offer than the Patriots only adds more uncertainty to the Patriots' future at wide receiver.
Given the Patriots' lack of talent and limited depth at the wide receiver position, it is crucial for them to secure a player like DeAndre Hopkins. However, if they are unable to land Hopkins, they will likely explore other options to bolster their depth. One viable choice could be signing remaining free agent Jarvis Landry, a veteran receiver who could provide solid depth for the team.
Landry is definitely not the player he once was, and struggled with a nagging ankle injury that dismantled his 2022 season. This past season, Landry did show that he still can have a "big game" in him with a 110+ yard performance in week one against the Falcons but the rest of the season was a disappointment. Landry didn't go over 40 receiving yards in a single game after week one and finished with just 272 receiving yards and one touchdown in nine games. It's important to note that his decreased productivity can be attributed, at least in part, to his reduced playing time, as Landry was involved in only 37.4% of all passing plays.
It is important to manage expectations regarding Jarvis Landry's potential resurgence. It is unlikely that he will regain his youthful form and become a 1,000+ yard receiver as he was in the past. However, he can still serve as a reliable veteran option for the Patriots. Landry could be utilized as a rotational player, providing support behind JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, and Kendrick Bourne. This would help keep the primary receivers fresh and prevent a significant drop-off in production in case of injuries.
Landry has never been a great athlete, in fact, he still has one of the worst combine performances in NFL history. While he may have never possessed exceptional athleticism, he has managed to earn five Pro Bowl selections and has accumulated nearly 8,000 receiving yards and 71 touchdowns. Landry's on-field production and impact have gone beyond his testing numbers, demonstrating that his approach to playing receiver transcended beyond his athletic limitations.
There is indeed a valid question about whether Jarvis Landry still possesses the necessary athleticism to be effective on the field. However, it's worth noting that receivers with poorer athletic profiles like Landry often age well in the NFL. Their success is often rooted in their craftiness and ability to manipulate defenders, rather than relying solely on athleticism. To me, Landry is one of those guys who feel he has been in the league forever, but he is still just 30 years old.
Landry would not be the flashy signing Patriots fans have hoped for, and this is a signing that I expect would bring out the metaphorical pitchforks. I want to make this clear: I am not advocating for the Patriots to pursue him. This is a signing that would follow Hopkins signing elsewhere. However, I do believe he fits the mold of a Patriots receiver—a veteran receiving option who is more technical than athletic, fits the culture, and is coming off his worst year in the NFL, which means he would likely be available at a lower cost.
Featured image via Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
