The Jets signed former Redskins strong safety LaRon Landry within a week of the launch of free agency. Last week, the Jets signed former Dolphins strong safety Yermiah Bell.
Coincidentally or otherwise, Landry wasn’t present for the launch of the Jets’ Organized Team Activities on Monday, according to Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger.
It’s probably coincidental, given that Landry reportedly has been a spotty at best participant in the Jets’ offseason program, and in light of the fact that, ideally, both Bell and Landry will be in the starting lineup. Per Vrentas, Landry said when he signed that he would attend the offseason workouts “as much as possible.”
The OTA sessions remain voluntary, with only one mandatory offseason minicamp per team. But with limited offseason workouts under the new CBA, coaches undoubtedly will be even stronger in their belief that the players should be there -- even if the coaches aren’t allowed to ever say that.
Landry was limited to eight games in 2011 due to an Achilles tendon injury (he calls it a bone injury). He is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, but much of the compensation on his one-year deal is tied to his ability to show up and play.
In hindsight, maybe the Jets should have shifted a large chunk of the deal into an offseason workout bonus.
