One amazing Jarvis Landry stat and why it matters

Here's hoping this was the last time Landry ever wears 14, Otto Graham's retired Browns number. USA Today photo

When the Browns swapped a fourth-rounder and future seventh for three-time Pro Bowl WR Jarvis Landry, they knew the ex-Dolphin would signal a seismic splash on several levels.

Foremost is his sheer productivity. In his four pro seasons, Landry has never missed a game, despite touching the ball 565 times on receptions, returns, rushes, and pass attempts.

So from this springs the following fantastic fact for Browns fans:

The Browns’ single-season record for receptions is 89. Landry has averaged exactly 100 catches per year for his career.

If that doesn’t excite you, check yourself for a pulse. This is a gritty, competitive, durable, versatile, and highly-skilled receiver. He’ll help keep the chains moving by finding holes in the defense and catching the quarterback’s attention and attempts.

I can’t imagine a better complement to the receiving corps. If all goes well, a common 11 package would include the game-breaking enigma that is Josh Gordon, the promising but unrefined speedster Corey Defelious Coleman, young tight end David Njoku to create mismatches on linebackers and safeties, and 2017 Browns Player of the Year Duke Johnson out of the backfield.

Here’s what kind of track record the Browns are banking on from their new slot receiver, in the form of his average game stat line (65 games, including one playoff appearance):

  • 6.3 receptions (9 targets)
  • 63.7 yards
  • 2.28 points
  • 0.18 drops
  • 3 penalty yards lost, mostly due to 11(!) career personal fouls, including an ejection in his final Dolphins appearance.

If Hue, Todd Haley, and new receivers coach Adam Henry (Landry’s position coach at LSU) can help him clean up that last aspect of his game, all’s the better.

Word is that the Browns are looking to secure the 25-year-old’s services long term. He’s set to make nearly $16 million in 2018 under the franchise tag. (We’re talking Osweiler money!) They have until July 16 to reach a deal, lest he play out the season on that one-year contract. If that happens, he could ink a new deal after the season, or the Browns could tag him one more time, or he could hit free agency.

It seems in both sides’ interest to work out a deal soon, before the draft. Cleveland has plenty of cap space and need for a reliable target in his prime. Landry ought to opt for long-term security, as nothing is guaranteed for his career after 2018.

If you haven’t seen this yet, check out this nice 10-minute film on “Juice” Landry in light of him now entering the big-money years of his NFL career.