In an NFL offseason that’s seen a little bit of everything — from star QBs switching teams and signing lucrative long-term extensions to wide receivers getting big bags daily — another piece of the free agent puzzle has landed in a spot where his arrival could pay huge dividends.
Former Browns and Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry is returning to his home state of Louisiana, where his journey to the NFL began as a high school and college star (LSU). The sure-handed pass catcher is signing a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.
Landry announced the move via his Twitter account with a simple “Who Dat.”
WHO DAT 🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/UKlnZRfeva
— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) May 13, 2022
Landry Will Add To Impressive Weaponry In N’awlins
With longtime head coach Sean Payton and stalwart quarterback Drew Brees having retired, New Orleans is ushering in a new era under first-year coach Dennis Allen. Longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael will call plays, and 2015 No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston will be the on-field conductor.
Winston was 5-2 with 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions before a torn ACL derailed his 2021 season. For all intents and purposes, Winston’s injury ended the Saints’ chances of being a real playoff threat, although they battled for a spot until the final day of the season.
The Saints are signing Jarvis Landry, per @Schultz_Report pic.twitter.com/QzEAg8Zsjf
— PFF (@PFF) May 13, 2022
With Alvin Kamara’s availability for the season unknown with his legal problems for assault ongoing, Landry’s presence is mandatory. The five-time Pro Bowl player and 2017 NFL receptions leader has 688 receptions for 7,598 yards and 37 touchdowns over his eight-year NFL career. His ability to move the chains between the hashes will be a welcomed sight for Winston. Affectionately known as “Juice,” Landry will join an offense with a plethora of talent.
The return of former All-Pro wideout Michael Thomas is huge after he missed an entire season following ankle surgery. N’awlins also added the speedy, route-running savant Chris Olave in this year’s draft.
The aforementioned Landry, Thomas and Olave could form the league’s best route-running trio. A sneaky good move made by the Saints was bringing back franchise all-time leading rusher Mark Ingram. He’ll help save Kamara’s body and fill in if Kamara’s situation goes left.
Saints Are SB Contenders: Rams And Bucs Have Company
Led by a dominant defense and an offense that should be efficient and at times dynamic, you have to consider the Saints a real contender to make it to Super Sunday. The NFC is considerably weaker than the loaded AFC so the Saints have a real shot. Much of that will depend on the play of Winston, who was having the best season of his career prior to injury.
The former 5,000-yard passer could be the Comeback player of the Year if things go smoothly, and Landry could be a main reason why. His sure hands and toughness will add another dimension to the Saints offense.
