The Patriots are looking for pass rush help and on Friday, one of Mike Vrabel’s former pupils became available.
According to multiple reports, the Tennessee Titans released pass rusher Harold Landry. This news could be significant for the Patriots. Landry, 28, was drafted by Vrabel and the Tennessee Titans in 2018 and earned a Pro Bowl honors. Last year, he finished with nine sacks, 71 tackles, 15 quarterback hits, and 15 tackles for loss.
At last week’s NFL Combine, a league source told MassLive, in the event he was released, that the Patriots were expected to show interest in Landry. The edge rusher also has ties to the region as he starred at Boston College.
Under Vrabel, Landry turned into one of the Titans best pass rushers. A second-round pick, he made a career-high 12 sacks to go with 22 quarterback hits 75 tackles, and 11 tackles for loss in his 2021 Pro Bowl season. Landry led the Titans in sacks in 2019 (9), 2020 (5.5), 2021 (12), and last season (9).
He finished second in Tennessee in sacks with 10.5 in 2023, which marked Vrabel’s last year with the Titans.
Landry would be a good fit for Vrabel’s new defense and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams. The Patriots desperately need pass rush help after finishing last in the NFL in sacks in 2024.
After the team traded Matthew Judon, the Patriots struggled to find consistency in getting to the quarterback. Keion White and Deatrich Wise tied for the team lead in sacks with five.
To put Landry’s 2024 numbers in perspective, he would’ve led the Patriots in sacks (9) and tackles for loss (15). His 15 quarterback hits were one less than White’s 16.
Last week, the Titans gave Landry and his agent permission to seek a trade. However, that would’ve meant an opposing take on $17.5 million in base salary. None of that was guaranteed in Landry’s contract. By releasing him, the Titans save $17.5 million off their cap.
If the Patriots really want Landry on their 2025 roster, they can sign him before free agency starts next Monday.
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