The New York Jets tried to improve the wide receiver position with Jarvis Landry, but the Dolphins ultimately chose the Browns. Plus, why the Jets are the new kings of free agency.
While free agency doesn’t start until March 14, that hasn’t prevented teams from improving their rosters. Who would’ve thought that would be the Cleveland Browns?
They took Tyrod Taylor away from the Buffalo Bills, but that’s not the only thing they stole from the AFC East. According to a report by ESPN Insider Jeremy Fowler, Cleveland stole Jarvis Landry away from the New York Jets who were highly interested.
Jets, Titans and Ravens were involved in Jarvis Landry talks late this week before Browns worked out deal, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 10, 2018
Rivalry or not, it makes sense.
If the Dolphins had a better offer outside of the division, it made sense to send the talented Landry elsewhere. Although, I’d argue the fourth and seventh round future consideration they received couldn’t have been the best offer they received.
It also makes sense that the Jets would want some because they have a ton of uncertainty at their receiver position.
Quincy Enunwa is coming off neck surgery and is technically a free agent (restricted). Robby Anderson can’t get out of his own way (whether that’s on social media or with the law). While the Jets have some talented youngsters, they’re mostly unproven.
Lastly, could you imagine Landry in New York alongside buddy and former LSU teammate Odell Beckham Jr.?
But there are pros and cons to making a bunch of moves. The Jets are the beneficiary of circumstances they didn’t control. Because the Browns made all their moves, there’s a new cap space leader in the clubhouse.
With the two trades to the #Browns now on tap, the #Jets should enter free agency with the most cap space in the NFL
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) March 9, 2018
Jason from Over the Cap revealed that the Jets likely now should enter free agency with the most moolah. The Taylor move effectively eliminates the Browns from the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes (even though a final four has been revealed by multiple sources and the Browns weren’t among them).
This means there is no team that can’t offer more money than the Jets in free agency in 2018. Will that be the leading factor for Cousins’ decision? Who knows, but it can’t hurt.