NFL Free Agency: Why the Chicago Bears Should Avoid LaRon Landry
Published by Michael Gibbons on March 12, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
With NFL free agency set to start on Tuesday, when the new league year begins, there are a lot of rumors out there.
One of the newest is from Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports saying the Chicago Bears have interest in safety LaRon Landry.
Aside from the Jets, as report by ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Chi and Philly appear interested in LaRon Landry. Wash wants him back.
— Jason Cole (@JasonColeYahoo) March 12, 2012
Landry is coming off another injury-shortened season and for the second consecutive year is trying to avoid surgery. He is undergoing some alternative medical procedures which aren’t even complete yet, so he won’t know the results for a few weeks.
During his first three seasons in the league, Landry was a model for health missing only one game. In the last two seasons, he has missed 15.
Landry was the sixth overall pick in the draft by the Redskins in 2007 and I feel safe in saying his rookie season was his best. He had 95 tackles, 1.5 sacks and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.
Since then, he really hasn’t lived up to the hype of being a safety selected so early in the draft. In five seasons he has only four interceptions and 5.5 sacks.
The biggest reason the Bears are probably interested in him is because he has experience playing at both safety positions. During his first three seasons in the league he lined up as the strong safety before spending the last two at free safety.
My feeling is if the Bears do go out and sign Landry, they would be looking at Mike Brown 2.0. Brown was great for the Bears at both safety spots, but injuries shortened his career and cost him most of three seasons.
I think the Bears would be much better off sticking with Major Wright and Chris Conte while re-signing Brandon Meriweather. I’d much rather see the Bears spend money on acquiring a pass rusher who can play opposite Julius Peppers.
So what do you think, should the Bears pursue Landry? Sound off below.
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