Cleveland Browns Sign WR Matt Landers
The Cleveland Browns have signed free agent wide receiver Matt Landers, filling their roster to the full 90-player limit as they begin organized team activities (OTAs).
Landers, standing over 6’4″ and weighing 200 pounds after leaving the University of Arkansas, hails from St. Petersburg, Florida. He began his college career at Georgia but saw limited playing time and transferred to Toledo for the 2021 season. He concluded his college career at Arkansas in 2022, leading the team with 47 catches for 901 yards and eight touchdowns.
Although Landers went undrafted, he spent time on the practice squads of the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers in 2023. He also played in the UFL with the Arlington Renegades and San Antonio Brahmas before being waived by the Brahmas on April 9th.
Landers’ appeal to the Browns lies in his exceptional athleticism. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he ran a 4.37 40-yard dash, recorded a 37-inch vertical jump, and a 10’10” broad jump. His pro day performance included a 6.86 3-cone drill and a 4.32 shuttle. Except for the shuttle time, these results are outstanding for a player of his size.
This signing represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Browns. They have previously taken similar chances, such as drafting Anthony Schwartz in the third round of the 2021 draft. While Schwartz did not work out for the Browns, the Miami Dolphins have kept him on their roster, hoping for potential payoff. The Browns aim to find value in athletes like Landers, who, if successful, could greatly benefit the team. If not, they lose only a roster spot.
Landers also offers value in practice as a matchup challenge for the Browns’ young corners, given the AFC North’s competitive wide receivers like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, George Pickens, and the Ravens’ recent draft pick, Devontez Walker. For Landers, making the opening day roster is challenging, but securing a spot on the practice squad would still be a notable achievement.
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