One of the New England Patriots' many difficult offseason decisions could include cutting ties with a 2025 acquisition.
The Boston Globe's Christopher Price predicted on CLNS Media's "All 32 NFL Podcast" that edge rusher Harold Landry III won't return to the Patriots next season. Landry, who also played for head coach Mike Vrabel on the Tennessee Titans, signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract to join New England's reloaded defense last year.
"I think Mike Vrabel loves him some Harold Landry," Price said. "That's gonna be the hardest conversation he's gonna have this offseason, is with Landry. I don't think Landry comes back."
Landry led the Patriots with 8.5 sacks, but a knee injury bothered him throughout the season. He missed the final two regular-season games and the AFC Championship Game, playing limited snaps in the other postseason contests.
Health concerns regarding the 2021 Pro Bowler, who turns 30 in June, have Price believing the Patriots will move on from Landry unless he accepts a reduced salary. That could help them retain some of the defense's prominent free agents.
"You need something steadier and more consistent," Price added. "And I don't know if they end up giving that money to K'Lavon Chaisson or someone else, but I don't think Harold Landry returns. If he does come back, he's gonna take a pay cut. And I don't think he's gonna take a pay cut."
However, a breakup could get messy. Landry's $11 million base salary for 2026 is fully guaranteed with a $16.35 million cap hit.
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