ESPN’s Bill Barnwell was highly complimentary of the offensive weapons the Atlanta Falcons have assembled. However, the popular consensus in Atlanta is that the team lacks receiver depth.
Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger proposed the Falcons fixing that with one last offseason move — signing veteran Jarvis Landry.
“Landry is an underneath slot receiver who could be a safety valve over the middle for quarterback Desmond Ridder, and the Falcons are still thin at pass catcher beyond Kyle Pitts and Drake London,” Spielberger wrote. “After missing most of the 2022 season with an injury, Landry is likely looking at one-year flier contract offers once again in 2023.
“Landry is also known to be a good veteran leader, which could be a positive addition to a team with a lot of young offensive weapons. He’s coming off the two worst seasons of his career, but he was arguably the best slot receiver in the NFL from 2015 to 2020; his 3,938 receiving yards, 1,748 yards after the catch, 1,166 yards after contact and 91 explosive receptions of 15 or more yards all ranked first among qualifying slot receivers over that span.
“The Falcons buying low on a potential bounce-back could age nicely in the right setting.”
Landry only played nine games for the New Orleans Saints because of ankle issues in 2022. But during Week 1 against the Falcons, he carved up Atlanta’s secondary. Landry posted 7 catches for 114 yards, leading the Saints to a shocking 27-26 comeback win.
The 10-year veteran will turn 31 in November. But it’s hard to argue that he wouldn’t be a great addition to Atlanta’s offense. Landry’s play in the slot would be an excellent compliment to the Drake London, Kyle Pitts and the running game.
As Spielberger noted, Landry could also be another veteran leader and calming presence for young quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Landry signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Saints last offseason. After an injury-plagued 2022, it’s difficult to imagine the veteran demanding more than that this year. As Spielberger wrote, he will likely sign a one-year deal.
For all those reasons, the Falcons should strongly consider adding Landry.
