NEWSLETTER
Jarvis Landry seems more willing to sit out the 2018 season than play on the franchise tag. And after watching a nearly 10-minute documentary titled “Juice” directed by Lukas Korver and shared by producer Rand Getlin, you can understand why.
“I’m at the point where taking care of my family is the most important to me,” Landry said in the video, which you can watch here or embedded below:
Jarvis Landry || Pain Comes Before Glory
Incredibly proud to share a few chapter’s of @God_Son80‘s story with y’all. Hope it inspires everyone to reach for more. pic.twitter.com/ZHeHiPyoTT
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) March 3, 2018
Landry’s mother, brother, and daughter are featured prominently in the video. The three-time Pro Bowl receiver reflects on his relationship with his mother, Dietra, who also discussed the challenges and sacrifices she made as a single parent to provide for her family. Landry also shares how his brother Gerard’s love for football inspired him to play the game he has starred in at the high school, college, and now NFL.
With that in mind, Landry views a second NFL contract as an opportunity to take care of his family and set them up for life. And while the Miami Dolphins have exercised the franchise tag to keep Landry in the fold, he says he is considering not playing on it.
“The franchise tag is not a good deal for me,” Landry said.
To that end, the Dolphins and Landry have begun to pursue trade possibilities.
On Friday, the Bears emerged as a possible landing spot for Landry. And after Miami’s acquisition of Los Angeles Rams defensive end Robert Quinn, Spotrac.com estimates the Dolphins are $15.975 million over the salary cap. They’ll need to get under that number by 3 p.m. on March 14 when the new league year officially begins.
Landry understands what he is risking by playing under the franchise tag, mentioning injured Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier’s battle after suffering a serious spinal injury in a December game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Shazier’s playing career is in jeopardy after being injured while making a tackle. Understandably, Landry would like some long-term security.
“I played four years, then you get another year of not signing me to a long-term deal,” said Landry regarding the idea of playing on the tag. “In that year, anything can happen. You look at guys like Ryan Shazier, who may not ever have an opportunity to play again. He’s fighting a battle just to walk again. … I put my body on the line for years. I’ve sacrificed my time and my life to make sure that I have this opportunity.”
It’s becoming evident that Landry’s next opportunity won’t come with the Dolphins. No matter where he plays in 2018, whichever team acquires Landry will be getting a productive player on the field and a mindful person off of it.
