The Jarvis Landry signing was met with a lot of fanfare, but it’s important to set the homer goggles aside and appreciate the proud LSU Tigers alum for what he is: a reliable veteran with five Pro Bowl nods behind him. And while it’s too early to say anything too bold and outrageous, he’s looking like exactly what the New Orleans Saints were missing with Michael Thomas out of commission last year. Which makes the idea of them teaming up together even more appealing.
Landry has been a popular target for the Saints quarterbacks in minicamp practices, doing as much damage underneath coverage as further downfield. Sure-handed and physical at the catch point, he’s been a tough assignment for anyone to defend. Things will change once players put on their pads and start hitting in live contact, but this early success is encouraging to see. What’s also gratifying to see is Landry offering pointers to younger teammates like Deonte Harty. That’s something he’s done for years — NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill noted that Landry shared feedback with Thomas when the latter was a fiery high school recruit.
This is what he Saints have been missing while Thomas was on the mend: an experienced playmaker who can take charge of the receiving corps. Last year’s receiving leaders (Marquez Callaway, Harty, and Tre’Quan Smith) didn’t have the benefit of extensive starting reps, and the older players in the unit (Ty Montgomery, Kenny Stills, Chris Hogan, and Kevin White) didn’t do much to consistently threaten opposing defenses. Landry brings both traits as a leader and a trustworthy weapon to the table.
And it’s in his interest to make the most of this opportunity. Having signed a one-year deal with the Saints paying out just $3 million, Landry can double his money through incentives written into his contract. Catching 55 passes earns a $250,000 bonus, which can be outdone through a $500,000 incentive for 65 receptions, but a full $1 million gets…
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