Instant Analysis: Landry gives the Patriots pass rush some much needed juice


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The Patriots gave their pass rush some much needed juice with their first free agent signing of the Mike Vrabel era. The team signed  former Boston College standout Harold Landry to a three year, $43.5 million dollar deal with $26 million guaranteed.

Landry was a second round pick of the Titans in 2018. He plays edge and outside linebacker and has racked up 50.5 sacks in his career. 

The Titans released Landry on March 7 after attempting to trade him. A trade never materialized despite the team giving his agents permission to seek one.

Landry, 28, led the Titans with nine sacks, 15 tackles for a loss and 15 quarterback hits in 17 starts. It was his third consecutive season with at least nine sacks, including a career-high 12 in 2021, his lone Pro Bowl season.

Landry will fit in seamlessly in the Patriots new defensive scheme, having played in it the past six seasons. He is familiar with what Vrabel and new defensive Terrell Williams expect in the defense. 

The Titans signed Landry to a five-year, $87 million contract in 2022. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL during the preseason and missed the season. He returned in 2023 and finished second on the Titans with 10.5 sacks.

The addition of Landry instantly bolsters a Patriots pass rush that has struggled the past two seasons. New England finished with a league low 28 sacks last season.

Landry gives the Patriots the first double digit sack specialist since Matthew Judon. He will play all three downs and provided he stays healthy, Landry should make an immediate impact on a defense that needs impact players.

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