With Matt Ryan, the Falcons were a bottom-tier roster. Without Ryan, Atlanta’s personnel is the most unimpressive group in the team’s recent history. One of the more glaring needs is at wide receiver. A receiving core of Olamide Zaccheaus, Frank Darby, Austin Trammell, Chad Hansen, and KhaDarel Hodge has to be the most underwhelming group of receivers across the league.
It is no secret the Falcons need an influx of talent at the position. Atlanta has been rumored to be all-in on drafting wideouts, but Terry Fontenot has also completed due diligence on this free-agent class of receivers. They were reportedly interested in former Packers wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a tall speedster that would threaten defenses over the top, but MVS signed a multi-year deal with the Chiefs. Atlanta was also connected to former Dolphins and Browns receiver Jarvis Landry.
Landry has accrued five Pro Bowl seasons between his time in Miami and Cleveland, most recently in 2019. However, he is coming off the worst statistical year of his professional career in 2021 — 52 catches for 570 yards and two touchdowns. The 29-year-old is a maestro in the slot. Landry is not the fastest, quickest, or biggest receiver, but he understands leverage and how coordinators want to defend him.
On paper, the Falcons could really use a veteran leader like Landry, but I’m not quite sure the financials will work out. Landry was previously represented by Damarius Bilbo of Klutch Sports. According to the NFLPA, Landry is now represented by Roosevelt Barnes and Jovan Barnes.
According to Pro Football Talk, Landry is searching for a deal in the range of $20 million per year, which all but eliminates the Falcons from contention for his services.
First and foremost, the Falcons won’t be paying any receiver that kind of money this offseason. Secondly, no team will pay Jarvis Landry $20 million AAV. Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill set the receiver market with their recent mega-deals, but Landry isn’t on their respective levels. One thing is clear, though, the Falcons are in desperate need of pass catchers, and the market is as scarce as ever.
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