In a few weeks, Pro Bowl wide receiver Jarvis Landry will hit the free agent market for the first time in his NFL career. However, the Miami Dolphins could quickly change Landry's offseason plans, as Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports speculates that the team may decide to place the franchise tag on the 25-year-old.
“The Dolphins are super tight on cap space, which adds intrigue to the decision to possibly franchise tag Jarvis Landry, a player they have mulled dealing in the past.”
The Dolphins can use this designation starting on February 20th on through March 6th to keep their star wideout under contract for at least another season. Meanwhile, it would extend the window for the front office to work out a new long-term extension with Landry until July 16th at 4 p.m. ET.
Given that Miami is projected to have only $7.3 million in salary cap space, it may press the team to place the franchise tag to keep their most dynamic offensive weapon in place. The loss of Landry would be a significant blow to the offense, taking away their most reliable receiving option in the passing game.
He is coming off his best individual season in 2017, posting a career-high 112 receptions, 987 receiving yards, and a career-best nine touchdowns.
Landry also set a couple of franchise records with the most catches in a single season while being the first Dolphin to record at least 100 catches in multiple seasons. If the front office were to go through with this plan of action, the negotiation process could become quite interesting given that Landry has voiced that he doesn't plan on taking any hometown discount.
There is a clear mindset that the star wideout is looking to maximize his financial gain on his next deal that would far exceed his four-year, $3.4 million rookie deal.
If the Dolphins elect to let him hit the free agent market, there are expected to be several teams interested in landing him, such as the Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders.
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