Landry: 'It's a blessing' to play for hometown Saints

Louisiana native and former LSU player Jarvis Landry's career has come full circle after joining the New Orleans Saints.

"It's a special time," Landry said Sunday. "As a kid growing up, being from Louisiana, you always want to play for your hometown team. It's a blessing to be here and have this opportunity."

Landry added that conversations with general manager Mickey Loomis, head coach Dennis Allen, and quarterback Jameis Winston were "instrumental" in his decision to join New Orleans.

Other teams were interested in Landry's services since his release from the Cleveland Browns earlier this offseason, but the 29-year-old said he prioritized fit and location over money. His one-year deal with the Saints is reportedly worth up to $6 million.

Landry is the second high-profile Louisiana native and former LSU player to join the Saints this month, after Tyrann Mathieu. New Orleans also focused on improving its offensive firepower, drafting wideout Chris Olave in the first round of the draft. Three-time Pro Bowler Michael Thomas is expected to return this season after missing 2021 with an ankle issue.

"We all have different types of skillsets," Landry added. "Me and Mike more similar, but at the end of the day, I think we all are a problem."

A five-time Pro Bowler, Landry set career-lows in receptions (52) and receiving yards (570) last season, though he missed time earlier in the year with a knee injury. He joins a Saints team that averaged only 21.4 points per game in 2021, its lowest output since 2005.