Jarvis Landry up next in Dolphins new “keep your own” mentality

The Miami Dolphins have made significant strides in the last few weeks keeping their own players instead of relying on other teams free agents.

Since before the start of free agency the Dolphins have committed to Reshad Jones, Andre Branch,  Cameron Wake, Kenny Stills, and as of last night, Kiko Alonso. Now it’s Jarvis Landry’s turn. Or is it?

As I write this I’m cautiously optimistic that a deal will get done. Landry is a lead by example type of player and he plays at 100% every play. Sometimes he takes his enthusiasm a little too far but he has become the go-to player on the Dolphins offense without question.

Now the Dolphins must decide what Landry is worth to them. The former 2nd round draft pick will be a free agent in 2018. The Dolphins can of course franchise tag Landry next off-season to make sure they keep him but that would be expensive. This year the franchise tag for receivers carries a hefty $15.65 million cap hit. For one year. That number will increase next season.

Statistically Landry has done everything the Dolphins have wanted and more. He has more receptions in his first three seasons than any other receiver in history during their first three years.  He continues to develop as well and it’s likely he hasn’t reached his full potential.

Should Landry hit the free agent market there is no question that he will find many suitors for his services. The Dolphins have opted to not conduct “bidding” wars with other teams which makes Landry being extended now a higher priority. Miami is only bidding against themselves.

With Miami showing a commitment to their own and no singular player on the roster in need of an extension, Landry should be the top priority. The Dolphins have said that they want to get him a new deal and now is the time for them to step up and get it done.

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Landry will not be cheap. Far from it. He will likely jump into the top five on the Dolphins roster. Check that, he will be in the top five in salary for the Dolphins. Ryan Tannehill and Ndamukong Suh alternate at the top of the roster with Mike Pouncey, Byron Maxwell, and Reshad Jones rounding out the top five. Cameron Wake is 6th.

Landry should come in somewhere in that top five range. I’m not a salary guy so I won’t speculate on the actual numbers that could be floated in an extension but the Dolphins would be smart to get their top offensive player and fan favorite under contract sooner rather than later.