Jarvis Landry trade rumors: 5 teams that make sense

If the Miami Dolphins seriously look to trade Jarvis Landry, these five teams could come up with a good offer.

Over his three seasons in the league, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry has been one of the most productive pass catchers in the NFL. He set the all-time record for receptions in a player’s first two seasons with 194, and he has 204 catches over the last two seasons.

But Landry is the quintessential slot receiver, with little touchdown production (13 for his career). Entering the final year of his contract, the Dolphins don’t seem too eager to sign him to a lucrative long-term extension.

The injury-forced quarterback switch from Ryan Tannehill to Jay Cutler is also bad news for Landry, as Cutler is not afraid to (and is able to) throw downfield. That favors DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills, while leaving by the wayside a bit.

Miami’s hesitancy to make a long-term commitment to Landry is odd, and a recent domestic battery allegation may be a factor now whether he’s guilty or not. So it’s interesting, at least, that they may listen to trade offers for him, and Michael Lombardi of The Ringer recently reiterated that possibility.

But there’s often a direct contradiction to a rumor like that, and this one comes from Pro Football Talk. Apparently the Dolphins aren’t and won’t be listening to trade offers or Landry, but a team did inquire in the spring.

If the Dolphins shift course and seriously look to move Landry before Week 1, or perhaps more likely before the trade deadline on Oct. 31, these five teams could make an offer that can’t be refused.

5. Buffalo Bills

With trades that sent wide receiver Sammy Watkins to the Rams and cornerback Ronald Darby to the Eagles, the Bills seem to already be looking beyond 2017. While that wouldn’t make Landry a great fit, per se, he’s also young enough (25 on November) to be a long-term asset without the commitment to it right now.

The Dolphins may not want to deal with a division rival, but that element is usually overrated. For the right draft pick, a trade could get done with Buffalo. For whoever is under center for the Bills, this year and beyond, Landry can be a very valuable, reliable target.

4. New England Patriots

Speaking of Miami’s division rivals, the Patriots may be in the market for a wide receiver after losing Julian Edelman to a torn ACL over the weekend. Chris Hogan, Danny Amendola, Malcolm Mitchell or even undrafted rookie Austin Carr could help fill the significant void, while other players step up some too, but adding another proven piece could be on the radar.

In six career games against the Patriots, Landry has averaged 6.5 receptions and 75.5 yards per game. That has ramped up some over the last two seasons in particular, with averages of 7.8 catches and 88.5 yards per game, which has surely gotten Bill Belichick’s attention. A good player against him is someone he’d like to have, in most situations anyway.

Dolphins’ general manager Chris Grier may flatly refuse to entertain any offer for Landry from New England, knowing there’s a good chance he’ll regret it in hindsight. The idea of further fortifying the team they’re trying to chase in the AFC East is also not too appealing, unless the Dolphins think Landry’s best days are already behind him. If that’s the case, then anything may literally go with any of the other 31 teams in possible trade talks surrounding Landry.

3. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers seem to be trying to diversify their offense, with the drafting of Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel to try to get the ball out of Cam Newton’s hands faster on shorter passes. McCaffrey and Samuel can and probably will operate out of the slot at times, but it’s not the same as having a capable wide receiver to fill that role.

The Panthers are trying to protect Newton from injury this year, as he has been hit the most of any quarterback in the league since his career started in 2011. That means the likelihood of fewer designed runs, and theoretically fewer downfield throws that would make him vulnerable to big hits in the pocket. Landry’s short area quickness and reliability would fit that new passing game mold perfectly, if Newton can improve his accuracy on those shorter throws.

Interior defensive line is not necessarily a huge need for the Dolphins, but Carolina can offer defensive tackle Star Lotulelei in a deal for Landry. The former first-round pick is also entering the final year of his deal, and he may lose some playing time to 2016 first-round pick Vernon Butler this year. If the Panthers see Lotulelei as a disposable asset, and it’s easy to think they might, he may be enough to get Miami’s attention.

2. Cleveland Browns

As if by coincidence, Tony Grossi of ESPN reported on Sunday that the Browns are scouring the trade market for a wide receiver. Beyond presumed starters Kenny Britt and Corey Coleman, there are a bunch of question marks. Running back Duke Johnson is entering the mix as an option in the slot, but that’s not enough of a talent influx and depth is a concern.

Josh Gordon would be a nice addition to the Browns’ receiver group. But he has not played since 2014, and he apparently spent time in a rehab facility recently in what looks like a renewed effort to get reinstated. His next chance comes in September, when he can apply again for reinstatement, but obviously there’s a good chance Gordon has played his last down in the NFL.

Landry would fit nicely with the Browns, as a security blanket for rookie quarterback (and Week 1 starter) DeShone Kizer. Some other trade options are out there, including Colts’ receiver Phillip Dorsett. But trading for Landry is on a different, more credible, level that goes beyond taking a flyer on another team’s cast-off.

Cleveland has a plethora of future draft picks to deal from, so it would not be an issue to get Miami’s attention on that front. If that’s all they want for Landry, and not any current player with a name or perceived value along with a draft pick, the Browns can and probably should make a solid offer.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs cut Jeremy Maclin in early June, and after he had a down 2016 they have not replaced what he left behind from 2015 (87 catches for 1,088 yards and eight touchdowns). Tyreek Hill emerged as a weapon last year, but his ability to be a quintessential No. 1 wide receiver is a big question and the rest of the crew at the position (Chris Conley, Albert Wilson, etc.) is not exactly inspiring.

When Alex Smith looks at Ryan Tannehill, he may see a younger version of himself. Neither quarterback is a particularly proficient deep ball thrower, which may be by choice in Smith’s case and a lack of ability to do it consistently in Tannehill’s case. Tannehill peppered Landry with targets over the last three seasons though (387 over 45 games), and it’s safe to say Smith would do exactly the same with Landry available to him.

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The Chiefs are probably entering their last year with Smith as their starting quarterback, with rookie Patrick Mahomes in line to take over in 2018 barring something completely unforeseen like a Super Bowl run. But it would be good to equip Smith with as much capable talent around him as possible, and Landry can also become a key piece of the future when the quarterback transition is made.