The Browns made a big splash at wide receiver this offseason, recently agreeing to acquire former Pro Bowler Amari Cooper from the Cowboys. Now they've cut down the position, on Monday releasing veteran starter Jarvis Landry, CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson confirmed. The 29-year-old Landry, one of Cleveland's steadiest pass catchers over the last four years, had been given permission to seek a trade following Cooper's reported arrival. After it became clear he and the Browns were not going to find common ground on his future, presumably under a restructured contract, Landry requested his release, per ESPN, to pursue other opportunities.
Landry's departure leaves Cleveland in need of more receiver help, with Browns reserve Rashard Higgins also hitting the open market, but it also saves the team over $14.8 million. Landry was due more than $16M total in 2022, the final season of a five-year, $75.5M deal he signed with the Browns back in 2018. Despite a strong run as a starter, including three straight seasons with at least 70 catches and 800 yards, he was speculated as a potential salary-cap casualty following an injury-riddled 2021.
That's not to say Landry won't have a strong market in free agency. The Bills and Chiefs are both early suitors for the five-time Pro Bowler, per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. The Packers have also been connected to the wideout, but Anderson reports Green Bay is unlikely to be in the mix, even as Marquez Valdes-Scantling is set to test the market.
Originally a second-round pick of the Dolphins in 2014, Landry spent the first four seasons of his career in Miami, twice eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards as an immediate starter. He was acquired by the Browns in exchange for fourth- and seventh-round draft picks ahead of the 2018 season, after receiving the franchise tag from the Dolphins.
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