CLEVELAND — Earlier Saturday, multiple NFL reporters confirmed the Browns have acquired Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys via trade.
Just over an hour later, many of those same reporters are indicating the team could be preparing to say goodbye to another Pro Bowl wideout, who could also be considered a franchise cornerstone.
Both ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo say the Browns have given Jarvis Landry permission to seek a trade to another team. According to Garafolo, both sides would be more than open to a reunion in 2022, but Landry would have to take some sort of pay cut, and the "Good Morning Football" co-host believes it's "likely" the receiver has "played his last down with Cleveland."
In four seasons with the Browns, Landry has caught 288 passes for 3,560 yards and 15 touchdowns while making two of his five career Pro Bowls. His arrival in 2018 also signaled the beginning of a culture shift for a club that had gone 1-31 over the previous two seasons, and as Cleveland's fortunes improved, he quickly became a favorite among fans and teammates alike.
After winning a playoff game in 2020, the Browns were expected to be Super Bowl contenders in 2021, but injuries, inconsistent play, and drama off the field led to a disappointing 8-9 record. For his part, Landry — who later claimed to have been playing with multiple ailments — had the worst season of his career after putting up career-low marks in receptions (52), yards (570) and TDs (two), and also had to deal with the departure of his best friend Odell Beckham Jr. following a public disconnect with quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Publicly, at least, Landry has indicated his wish to stay in Cleveland, but tweeted weeks ago he "put the ball in [their] court" and is "confident enough in myself to be a better healthy me this year and moving forward to helping do my part in winning a championship elsewhere." Garafolo reports Landry actually reached out to the Browns Saturday about restructuring his contract so he could play with Cooper, but his $16-million salary in the final year of his contract remains an issue, as the club would owe him just $1.5 million if they were to release him outright.
General Manager Andrew Berry has thus far refused to tip his hand when it comes to the Browns' plans for Landry. In addressing reporters during the NFL Combine last week, Berry lauded Landry's contributions to the organization, but wouldn't commit to bringing him back.
"The next couple of weeks are big for us in terms of assessing the entirety of the roster," Berry said. "But Jarvis has been a key veteran for us, a key producer, and we're very grateful for all that."