Dolphins might be better served waiting on Jarvis Landry contract

The Miami Dolphins have not reached out to the agent representing Jarvis Landry regarding a new contract. Maybe they shouldn’t.

Earlier this week Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that Landry, through his agent, has set a season opening deadline to discuss a new deal. It’s not meant as a way to force the hands of the Dolphins according to his agent but so that there is no distraction for Landry or the team.

Many fans believe that extending Landry is a huge deal and one that should be done immediately. Honestly, I have fallen into that category as well. But is it really necessary now? The more you think about it, the more you start to wonder if what’s in the best interests of the Dolphins is to simply wait.

For starters the NFL has in place, measures to help teams keep players beyond their contracted years. The Franchise Tag is a powerful tool that can be used on Landry if necessary. Jackson reported that the Dolphins would likely be on the hook for around $15 million if they opted to use the tag.

With a franchise tag in place the Dolphins can negotiate with Landry on a new deal and then rescind the tag is a deal is struck before the deadline. This buys the Dolphins time and with some contracts coming off the books in 2018 and ’19 the Dolphins may have more flexibility with an ever increasing cap.

Of course waiting also means the Dolphins get to evaluate their situation with their receiver group. DeVante Parker will be up for an extension following the 2018 season and will likely have his 5th year option picked up following the 2017 season if he plays well. Assuming he does “break-out” in 2017, a lot of money will be on the books at WR. Earlier this off-season the Dolphins extended Kenny Stills.

Landry is the heart of the Dolphins offense and this is where debates get heated. Despite his “heart” Landry is still a 75 catch, 1,000 yard receiver who has four touchdowns in each of the last two seasons and 13 total for his career. If Parker plays up to expectations this year Landry’s production could drop. Add Julius Thomas into the equation and it could drop even more.

This is not to suggest Landry is expendable and shouldn’t be re-signed. The Dolphins however need to continue building their team and their offense and Landry, who is a big part of that offense statistically, is also going to be an expensive part of that unit.

Giving Landry a contract now makes sense as well. The Dolphins have around $20 million to spend and using some of that on an extension would lighten the burden in future years against the cap but the Dolphins also need that money to add to their roster. It’s very possible and almost likely that the Dolphins add defensive tackle and offensive line help when camp opens at the end of next month.

Landry is an interesting case for the Dolphins. On the one hand he is a major favorite of the fan base and on the other he is going to be an expensive player to keep with production thus far relegated to yards and receptions. And as the debate goes, yards and receptions move you down the field and in position to score points.

While signing Landry now would be nice, it’s also not necessary. Not yet. Miami has options and they do have time. And like the debate, I will go back and forth on both points long before this comes to a conclusion.