By Ryan O’Halloran
A few thoughts about Redskins safety LaRon Landry after it was announced he was being shut down because of an Achilles’ tendon injury:
* Surgery isn’t one of the options for Landry, it’s the only option. He gambled – and lost – this past off-season, opting for non-major surgery treatments and the end result is a second straight trip to injured reserve. Landry should have surgery, go through the right rehab process and get healthy.
* I wouldn’t go as far as to say this was a product of the lockout. Landry was hurt 13 months ago and the ban on team-to-player communications didn’t begin until March. He could have had surgery in January and be ready early in the regular season. But knowing he was in a contract year, Landry sucked it up in the hope he could play well.
* When Landry debuted this year in Week 3 at Dallas, he was terrific, flying all over the field. My guess is that was all adrenaline. Each week, there were fewer and fewer times he appeared in the TV copy of the tackle or around it.
* So, what’s next? A wrinkle in the new CBA says that franchise tags will be based on the last five years as opposed to just the top five salaries from the previous season. That will lower the amount. In 2010, the tag for a safety was $6.455 million, all guaranteed once the player signs the tender. Regardless of the amount, the Redskins shouldn’t go that route with Landry. It’s too much money for a player who may not be ready for the start of the season.
* So what should the Redskins do? Approach Landry in good faith with a one-year deal that is a Show Us Contract. Show us you’re healthy. Show us you can practice on a daily basis. And show us you can be the player who dominated during the first half of last year. If the first 8-10 games go well, go back to the bargaining table.
* From Landry’s perspective, does he want to return? The Redskins recently haven’t expressed any interest in retaining their first-round draft choices to a second contract. Landry was making a deal drive when he was injured last year, has blasted via Twitter the Redskins’ training staff and in talking to him, just as a feel of a guy who is ready to move on. But he may not have many options.
* Finally, a tough break for a decent guy. Every player has their surly moments, but ever since he was a rookie in 2007 talking to me and two other reporters next to his white Hummer at Redskin Park (ah, the good, old days when that was allowed), Landry has been good to talk to about a variety of issues.
Contact O’Halloran at rohalloran@comcastsportsnet.com
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