Pats Pulpit
Previewing the Patriots edge heading into his first season in New England.
The New England Patriots entered their 2024 training camp seemingly in good shape along their defensive edge. Midway through the season, the group’s outlook had changed drastically: Anfernee Jennings was still around as a starter, but none of the other top four at the position — Matthew Judon (traded), Joshua Uche (traded), Oshane Ximines (ACL tear) — were available anymore.
Heading into 2025 and with a new coaching staff in place, it was therefore time for change. One of the first shoes to drop was signing free agent Harold Landry.
Name: Harold Landry III
Position: Defensive edge/Outside linebacker
Jersey number: 2
Opening day age: 29 (6/5/1996)
Measurements: 6’2 3/8”, 252 lbs, 78 7/8” wingspan, 32 7/8” arm length, 9 3/8” hand size, 4.64s 40-yard dash, 6.88s 3-cone drill, 4.19s short shuttle, 36” vertical jump, 9’11” broad jump, 24 bench press reps, 9.47 Relative Athletic Score
NFL: Tennessee Titans (2018-24), England Patriots (2025-) | College: Boston College (2014-17)
A three-star recruit out of Pine Forest High School in his hometown of Fayetteville, NC, Landry decided to take his talents to Boston College. A backup as a true freshman, he became a fixture along the team’s defensive line from his 2015 sophomore campaign on and was twice named All-ACC (second team 2016, third team 2017). In total, he amassed 158 tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 25 sacks and 10 forced fumbles during his four seasons as an Eagle.
His productivity at BC made Landry a popular target in the 2018 NFL Draft, and he was eventually selected 41st overall by the Titans. As a rookie, he was used on a rotational basis but — just like in college — took his game to a new level from Year 2 on. Capable as a pass rusher and a run defender, Landry registered 256 tackles, 31 sacks and a trio of forced fumbles in his first four years as a pro; he also was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2021.
The Titans subsequently signed him to a five-year, $87.5 million contract extension, but he suffered a torn ACL in practice less than six months after putting pen to paper. Despite missing the entire 2022 campaign as a consequence, Landry returned as a high-quality player the following year. In his two seasons since, he added 141 tackles and 19.5 sacks to his career totals. Nonetheless, Tennessee decided to release him in March 2025 after unsuccessfully trying to trade him.
Five days after his release, Landry signed a three-year, $43.5 million free agency deal in New England to reunite with his former head coach, Mike Vrabel.
Strengths: An experience player with a track record of proven production against NFL competition, Landry offers impressive durability on the edge even after missing all of 2022 due to injury. He also provides a versatile skillset, and has played quality football against the run while also being productive as...
