Dec 15, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80), Odell Beckham Jr. (13) and Rashard Higgins (81) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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The Cleveland Browns enter the 2021 season with a talented duo of Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, leading one of the best receiving corps in the NFL. But the longtime friends may not be teammates for much longer.
Cleveland added Landry early in the 2018 offseason, sending a pair of draft picks to the Miami Dolphins in a blockbuster trade. A year later, the front office swung an even bigger deal for OBJ, reuniting the former LSU teammates.
Both are extremely talented offensive weapons, with nine Pro Bowl selections and a plethora of other accomplishments between them. But after paying Nick Chubb and with a Baker Mayfield contract extension looming, a difficult decision is reportedly looming.
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NFL insider Charles Robinson shared on the You Pod to Win the Game podcast that he believes the Browns won’t retain both Landry and Beckham Jr. next season.
“I don’t think Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham are going to be together after this season, I truly don’t. I think that there’s going to be a decision the team has to make at the wide receiver position. I think they’re going to be in the wide receiver market next offseason, whether it’s the draft, whether it’s maybe looking at some younger guys in free agency….I think they’re going to want to mix that up. I don’t think it means maybe both those guys go, I think there’s a decent possibility one is there.”
Yahoo Sports’ NFL insider Charles Robinson on Cleveland Browns’ future at wide receiver,
Both Landry and Beckham are under contract for the 2022 season. Landry carries a $16.6 million cap hit and OBJ is right behind him ($15 million), making them two of the Browns’ highest-paid players. But multi-year extensions for Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, Mayfield and Chubb create a need for financial relief.
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As detailed by Over the Cap’s calculator, cutting Landry frees up $14.28 million in cap space and Cleveland would have $14.17 million in savings by moving on from its other star wide receiver.
Landry might be viewed as the more expendable talent, considering he offers less upside. But availability is an important factor to consider and the veteran has consistently proven he can avoid serious injuries. Plus, Cleveland’s offense actually improved after Beckham suffered the torn ACL.
The Browns will certainly take Mayfield’s feelings into consideration, finding out which wide receiver he’d rather have moving forward. If both Landry and OBJ stay healthy, they could play a crucial role in this team living up to massive expectations this season. But it might be the final time these friends are teammates.