Is Landry’s time with Cleveland almost over?
Jarvis Landry helped the Browns reverse their fortunes after former general manager John Dorsey brought the fivetime Pro Bowl wide receiver to Cleveland in a trade with the Miami Dolphins in 2018.
And as Landry approaches the end of his fourth and what could be final season with the Browns, teammates are acknowledging the impact he's had on them.
Landry's sub-par production in an injury-riddled 2021 season combined with his lucrative contract point to Browns GM Andrew Berry facing a decision about the future of a team leader whose football resume is stellar.
Although a restructured deal is possible, it should come as no surprise if Landry plays his last game for the Browns in Sunday's season finale against the AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals.
“He's definitely a great,” said receiver Donovan Peoples-jones. “I can look at his game, I can talk to him and he's always giving pointers, not just even with football — life things. He has a lot of insight. He's been here for a long time. He has a lot of experience. He just does things the right way.
“Tough. Accountable. Definitely a leader for the team and for the receiver group. Just somebody you can rely on. For me, like a mentor, big brother figure.”
Landry is under contract through the 2022 season, when he's scheduled to make $15.05 million in salary and bonuses, with a salary cap hit of $16.55 million and a dead cap of just $1.5 million, if he's released, according to spotrac.com.
In 11 games, he has a team-leading 46 catches on 79 targets for 495 yards and a touchdown to go along with six carries for 40 yards and two TDS.
Landry, 29, has dealt with multiple left knee injuries this season, beginning with a sprained medial collateral ligament he suffered in Week 2. He's among more than 20 Browns players who were sidelined Dec. 20 with COVID-19 for a 16-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Respect is a theme with Landry in the locker room and throughout the organization.
“He's a pro. He's one of the biggest competitors who I've been around,” rookie cornerback Greg Newsome II said. “He's a competitor.
“He's going to push you to the limits. After practice, he's talking to me on how I can be better, how I can be a better leader and things that you should and things that shouldn't do.
“Jarvis Landry is the ultimate teammate and the ultimate competitor for sure.”