LaRon

Landry

Landy is one of the most talented and effective safeties in the game, but hasn’t played since Week 10 of last season. Reed Doughty is a reasonable replacement as he kicks O.J. Atogwe to the strong side, but he’s not the difference-maker Landry is.

Landry has been vague about his status before, but he said “of course” he will play this week. His return would be a big boost to the Redskins and IDP owners alike. Landry is a difference-maker in the secondary and allows O.J. Atogwe to return to his free safety spot. Reed Doughty would head back to the bench if Landry really does suit up.

Landry said Tuesday he’d be active against the Cowboys, but it’s far from a slam dunk that he’ll suit up this week. If he doesn’t, Reed Doughty will again get the start in his absence.

Although Landry’s troublesome Achilles’ tendon is a red flag, he is drawing plenty of interest on the open market. That’s because when healthy, he’s a true difference-maker as a hard-hitting safety. The Patriots also hosted free agent safety Steve Gregory on Wednesday.

The one-year deal suggests teams were awfully leery of Landry’s Achilles holding up after eschewing Redskins doctor’s advice to undergo surgery. Entering free agency with a nearly bare cupboard at the position, the Jets now have Landry as a hard-hitting strong safety and Antonio Cromartie hinting that a free safety move could be in his future. The next step is to draft a pass-rushing outside linebacker.

The New York Daily News confirms the Jets are making an “aggressive push.” Landry had an overnight visit and toured the facility Monday morning after visiting New England over the weekend. There are reportedly three teams currently in the mix for the best safety on the market.

The Redskins never considered tagging Landry after he disobeyed the medical staff’s recommendation to undergo Achilles’ surgery. Landry will be a high-risk signing on the free agent market because his lower body may be breaking down. His upper body certainly isn’t, though. Recent images posted on Landry’s Twitter account show him incredibly ripped up in the arms and shoulders.

The Redskins don’t appear to have any interest in re-signing Landry, and will instead roll with O.J. Atogwe, Reed Doughty, and DeJon Gomes as their top three safeties. While Landry is theoretically the top safety available after Tyvon Branch and Dashon Goldson’s franchise tags, medical concerns may be standing in the way of a lucrative, long-term pay day on the open market.

Per Cole, the Redskins also “want him back.” Despite spending second-round picks on safeties the past two seasons, the position was the Eagles defense’s most glaring hole last season. Bears SS Major Wright has battled an assortment of injuries to rival Landry over the past two years.

In a rather flimsy report, Yahoo’s Jason Cole noted that the Eagles and Bears “appear interested” in Landry. Philadelphia doesn’t plan to make a big free agent splash this year, especially for a player with a red flag such as Landry’s Achilles.