New York Jets: Stay or Go, Dawan Landry Edition

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets strong safety

Dawan Landry

(26) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Time for another edition of “Stay or Go”. If this is your first time finding the column, this is where we have been taking a look at players on the Jets that are free agents, unrestricted so far, though we will cover restricted free agents as well. We take a look at the pros and cons of the player, on the field and off with the financials, and determine whether the player should be brought back for another season.

Tonight, we are taking a look at a veteran member of the secondary. This player has been in the league nine years, moving from the Ravens, to the Jaguars, and he has been in New York for the last two seasons. He plays safety, and we know how the defensive backs played last season.

The player we are talking about is Dawan Landry. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Next: The Statistics

Dec 29, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back

Lamar Miller

(26) get tackled by New York Jets strong safety Dawan Landry (26) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s take a look at Landry’s career statistics:

One of the biggest things that stands out when it comes to Landry is the consistency of his tackling. For two straight seasons, and four out of the last five, Landry has posted over 100 tackles. Landry has been the guy to come up and stop the run, a role that he has filled quite well. Landry has shown no signs of slowing down, posting his best tackle number (106) in the last four years.

Next: The Financials

Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets safety Dawan Landry (26) during the game against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dawan Landry does not cost a lot of money. His recent contract with the Jets was a two-year deal worth $3,000,000. Including bonuses, Landry cost $1.1 million against the cap in 2013, and $1.8 million against the cap in 2014. His contract ranks 49th among NFL safeties.

Landry is 32 years old. A safety of his age, especially a strong safety, would not command a large salary on the opening market. The Jets could bring back Landry as a veteran influence on this secondary without breaking the bank. With the rest of the Jets secondary being a young group, a veteran influence may be needed to keep them together, and Landry can provide that influence.

Next: The Negatives

Sep 14, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver

Jordy Nelson

(87) is tackled by New York Jets strong safety Dawan Landry (26) during the second half of a game at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports