Earlier in this NFL offseason, the Cleveland Browns caused everyone to take a double-take on their phones when they got the notification that they traded for Odell Beckham Jr. After trading for the All-Pro wideout, the expectations for the Browns has skyrocketed to another stratosphere.
As everyone has talked about Beckham Jr. and what he brings to the offense, Jarvis Landry has seemingly been put on the back burner to some. People are wondering what the trade means for Landry in terms of fantasy football.
Should you trust Landry still with Beckham Jr. on his team? Yes, if anything, Landry could have an even better season with Beckham Jr. becoming a part of the Cleveland offense.
Before last season, the Browns traded for Landry from the Miami Dolphins. In his first season with the team, Landry had 81 receptions for 976 yards and four touchdowns.
His numbers may not have been among the best in the NFL, but he was still crucial to the Browns quick turnaround in 2018. Additionally, Landry was playing in a new role in the Browns offense in 2018.
Over the course of his career, Landry has done the majority of his work in the short and intermediate passing game. With the Dolphins, Landry averaged just 6.5 air-yards per target in 2016 and 6.1 air-yards per target in 2017.
Then, with the Browns, Landry was used more as a downfield threat. As a result, Landry averaged 10.8 air-yards per target—which was only .7 air-yards behind Antonio Brown. That's an unusual role for Landry compared to what he's previously done.
That could have been due to having a gunslinging quarterback like Baker Mayfield, but it was also due to the Browns not having a reliable deep threat in the offense. Now, with the arrival of Beckham Jr., the former New York Giants receiver will assume the role of being the big playmaker in the offense.
This will allow Landry to return to being the best version of himself that he can be. Landry is perfect when he is running pristine routes and making big plays after the catch although he is talented enough to catch the ball downfield when the opportunity presents itself.
Both Beckham Jr. and Landry have played together before in college at LSU. Therefore, both are comfortable playing together in the same offense. Beckham Jr. knows what Landry brings to the table, and Landry knows the tendencies of his college mate.
Last season was a disappointing season in terms of fantasy football for Landry. The Browns wide receiver ranked 22nd in the NFL among receivers in fantasy points with 136.1 points in ESPN standard leagues.
Furthermore, Landry had just 2.7 more points than Julian Edelman. However, Edelman missed the first four games of the 2018 season due to a suspension.
Understandably so, a ton of people are wary of drafting Landry in fantasy drafts. There are a ton of question marks surrounding the Browns offense, but Landry should be set up for success this season.
Let's not forget, Landry has two seasons with over 110 receptions and 980 yards receiving in his career. Landry may not get 110 receptions, but he should see more opportunities with Beckham Jr. commanding double-coverage.
In PPR (point per reception) leagues, Landry is always a viable option at wide receiver. After all, last season was his fewest number of receptions in his career with 81. That numbers should improve in the upcoming season.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Landry, people should feel better drafting the Pro-Bowl receiver with the addition of Beckham Jr. Things are about to get even more dangerous in Cleveland with Mayfield airing it to Landry and Beckham Jr.
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