Caleb Harris
Jarvis Landry is still trying to see if he wants to continue a NFL career after being away for a year without being in the squad. The Jacksonville Jaguars brought Landry into rookie minicamp on a tryout basis and appear to be giving him a fair opportunity to make the roster.
Jacksonville just released Zay Jones this week, opening up a potential spot for Landry if he has a good minicamp. Landry is testing whether the NFL It’s still for him.
“I just (wanted to see) if I could really do this, if I still really want to do this and push myself to these limits,” Landry said, via Associated Press. “Being out of football last year was very difficult. It grounded me, but it also made me humble and grateful to have opportunities anyway.
“This is a good stepping stone to the next chapter of what I’m looking for.”
Landry spent the first four years of his career with the Miami Dolphins and the next four with the Cleveland Browns. He compiled three 1,000-yard seasons and two 100-catch campaigns between the two teams. He led the league with 112 receptions in 2017 and made five consecutive Pro Bowls from 2015 to 2019. Landry had more than 80 receptions in each of his first six seasons.
Injuries have set Landry back as he missed 13 games between the 2021 and 2022 seasons between the Browns and New Orleans Saints. He had just 77 receptions for 844 yards in that stretch before being out of football entirely in 2023.
“I just think it all happens because you want to be able to get your eyes on as many players as possible. He’s obviously played a number of years in this league and he’s a talented guy and look where he’s at,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said. he said, via a staff transcript. “We’ll see where he’s at health-wise and just see where he’s at. Nothing more than just coming in and auditioning.”
Landry, 31, would easily be the oldest wide receiver on the roster if he makes the team. He is four years older than Christian Kirk, who is entering his seventh season at age 27.
“Maybe there’s a different expectation with a guy like Jarvis, but I think more than anything, just see where he’s at physically and mentally,” Pederson said. “The newbies don’t know anything now, so it’s different. We are not taking them this weekend to where the vets are.
“But at the same time, this is a great opportunity for them to learn and really show us how much they can retain in just a short period of time.”
The Jaguars would like Landry to mentor first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr., as they both have the connection of being LSU wide receivers. It’s safe to say Landry is on board.
“It’s a really good learning experience for a guy like Brian,” Pederson said. “Jarvis is a vet and knows what it’s like. So I think it will be good to see how Jarvis handles himself as a professional and… at least make a good impression on Brian this weekend.”
