Mr_Tomahawk
02-13-2012, 07:37 AM
http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/30-FAs-in-30-Days-LaRon-Landry/36ae0bd7-eb78-4bba-a3cd-b87988deb021
Today's featured player is Washington Redskins strong safety LaRon Landry
NAME: LaRon Landry
POSITION: Safety
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-0, 227
COLLEGE: LSU
GP/GS: 64/64
AGE/EXPEREINCE: 27/5 seasons
BACKGROUND: A former top-10 pick, Landry hits unrestricted free agency after five seasons with the Redskins. He’s started every NFL games he’s played in, but a recurring Achilles injury has limited the strong safety to just 17 appearances over the past two seasons.
A recent string of injuries could make Landry a bargain on the open market, especially if he agrees to a contract with play-time based incentives. He was a Pro Bowl alternate his first two NFL seasons and was leading the NFL in tackles midway through the 2010 season before landing on injured reserve with a left Achilles injury nine games into the schedule.
When healthy, Landry has been a hard-hitting difference maker. He’s been used to spy mobile quarterbacks and seems to be most effective when playing in the box.
AVAILABILITY: Landry finds himself heading toward the open market for the first time of his NFL career. He just finished the final season of a five-year rookie contract and his current footing in Washington is anything but solid.
Washington’s medical staff recently advised Landry to undergo off-season Achilles surgery, but Landry opted for a non-surgical PRP (platelet rich plasma) stem-cell procedure instead. He’s currently paying for PRP treatments out of his own pocket.
“I love the organization, even [with] what’s going on now,” Landry told a Washington radio station last week. “But I love the fans. I just love being a Washingtonian. I definitely want to finish what I started because I feel like I’ve got a lot more to show for my fans and the organization.”
If Washington has soured on its former top pick, Landry could be an attractive option for a team willing to gamble on his current injury situation.
COACHING CONNECTIONS: Landry was Jim Zorn’s strong safety of choice in Washington, starting 31 games of Zorn’s 32-game tenure as Redskins head coach from 2008-09. Entering his second season as Kansas City’s quarterbacks coach in 2012, Zorn should be able to provide expert analysis on what a healthy Landry provides.
A product of LSU, Landry also has a number of connections inside Kansas City’s locker room. Most noteworthy, Landry and Dwayne Bowe were part of the same high school signing class at LSU in 2003.
WHY HE FITS: Injuries to Eric Berry and Jon McGraw left the Chiefs extremely thin at safety last season. To create depth at the position, the team must make several moves in the coming months.
Berry, Kendrick Lewis and Donald Washington are currently the only safeties under contract for 2012.
With Berry’s health still in question while he recovers from in-season knee surgery, the Chiefs could be in the market to add a veteran safety with starting capability. Landry’s injury situation makes him a complex signing, but the right type of deal could make him an attractive choice in Kansas City.
In addition, the Chiefs often play three safeties in sub-package sets. Landry’s ability to play inside the box could further his appeal.
Today's featured player is Washington Redskins strong safety LaRon Landry
NAME: LaRon Landry
POSITION: Safety
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-0, 227
COLLEGE: LSU
GP/GS: 64/64
AGE/EXPEREINCE: 27/5 seasons
BACKGROUND: A former top-10 pick, Landry hits unrestricted free agency after five seasons with the Redskins. He’s started every NFL games he’s played in, but a recurring Achilles injury has limited the strong safety to just 17 appearances over the past two seasons.
A recent string of injuries could make Landry a bargain on the open market, especially if he agrees to a contract with play-time based incentives. He was a Pro Bowl alternate his first two NFL seasons and was leading the NFL in tackles midway through the 2010 season before landing on injured reserve with a left Achilles injury nine games into the schedule.
When healthy, Landry has been a hard-hitting difference maker. He’s been used to spy mobile quarterbacks and seems to be most effective when playing in the box.
AVAILABILITY: Landry finds himself heading toward the open market for the first time of his NFL career. He just finished the final season of a five-year rookie contract and his current footing in Washington is anything but solid.
Washington’s medical staff recently advised Landry to undergo off-season Achilles surgery, but Landry opted for a non-surgical PRP (platelet rich plasma) stem-cell procedure instead. He’s currently paying for PRP treatments out of his own pocket.
“I love the organization, even [with] what’s going on now,” Landry told a Washington radio station last week. “But I love the fans. I just love being a Washingtonian. I definitely want to finish what I started because I feel like I’ve got a lot more to show for my fans and the organization.”
If Washington has soured on its former top pick, Landry could be an attractive option for a team willing to gamble on his current injury situation.
COACHING CONNECTIONS: Landry was Jim Zorn’s strong safety of choice in Washington, starting 31 games of Zorn’s 32-game tenure as Redskins head coach from 2008-09. Entering his second season as Kansas City’s quarterbacks coach in 2012, Zorn should be able to provide expert analysis on what a healthy Landry provides.
A product of LSU, Landry also has a number of connections inside Kansas City’s locker room. Most noteworthy, Landry and Dwayne Bowe were part of the same high school signing class at LSU in 2003.
WHY HE FITS: Injuries to Eric Berry and Jon McGraw left the Chiefs extremely thin at safety last season. To create depth at the position, the team must make several moves in the coming months.
Berry, Kendrick Lewis and Donald Washington are currently the only safeties under contract for 2012.
With Berry’s health still in question while he recovers from in-season knee surgery, the Chiefs could be in the market to add a veteran safety with starting capability. Landry’s injury situation makes him a complex signing, but the right type of deal could make him an attractive choice in Kansas City.
In addition, the Chiefs often play three safeties in sub-package sets. Landry’s ability to play inside the box could further his appeal.