Cleveland Browns Sign WR Matt Landers
The Cleveland Browns have announced the signing of free agent wide receiver Matt Landers.
The Cleveland Browns have announced the signing of free agent wide receiver Matt Landers. That move now puts the roster at the full 90 as the team begins organized team activities.
Landers is a little over 6’4″ and when he left the University of Arkansas, he was 200 pounds. From St. Petersburg, Florida, Landers started his college career at Georgia. After two seasons without much run, he transferred to Toledo for the 2021 season. He finished out his career for the Razorbacks in 2022, where he was the team’s leading receiver, catching 47 passes for 901 yards and eight touchdowns.
Landers went undrafted, but spent time on the practice squads of both the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers in 2023. He most recently participated in the UFL as a member of the Arlington Renegades and San Antonio Brahmas. He was waived by the Bulls on April 9th.
The reason a team like the Browns would look be interested in him is his raw athletic ability. Landers put together an outstanding athletic profile. He ran a 4.37 40, posted a 37″ vertical and a 10’10” broad jump at the NFL Scouting Combine. He followed that up with a 6.86 3-cone 4.32 shuttle at pro day. Everything save for his shuttle is outstanding for his size.
In that sense, he represents the lowest risk flyer possible. The Browns drafted Anthony Schwartz in the third round in the 2021 draft. It didn’t work. Nevertheless, the Miami Dolphins continue to keep Schwartz around their program because if he does figure it out, even if it’s just for a few games or a season, it could pay dividends. It makes sense for the Browns to find athletes like Landers and see if they can get something out of them. They look brilliant if it works and lose nothing but a roster spot if it doesn’t.
Especially with a team that is currently rostering three kickers, they have the flexibility to see if an athlete the caliver of Landers can prove to be someone worth carrying through OTAs and potentially minicamp in June. At that point, if the team feels good about Landers, they can carry him into training camp.
Beyond whatever potential he might have as a wide receiver, Landers is also an interesting matchup for the Browns corners. The AFC North features receivers like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and George Pickens. The Baltimore Ravens just drafted Devontez Walker out of North Carolina, who is going to be a vertical threat in their offense. Landers could help in preparation for the team’s young corners including Cam Mitchell, Kahlef Hailassie and their own draft pick Myles Harden.
Given the talent and sheer numbers the Browns have at the wide receiver position, Landers has an uphill battle to make the opening day roster. However, if he’s able to earn a spot on the practice squad, that would be a success.
