Luckily, there's a solution that should make everyone happy. It's expensive for the Dolphins but adequate nonetheless: The team should place the franchise tag on Landry and pay him $16.325 million in the upcoming season. That's the average price of the top five receivers in the NFL.
The franchise tag allows teams to control the rights of a player for one season and adds a year to negotiate a longer-term deal. The first day the Dolphins can use the franchise tag is tomorrow, February 20. The team shouldn't hesitate in using it with Landry.
A one-year solution seems like the best outcome for both sides. It allows the Dolphins to see what Ryan Tannehill has to offer
In a vacuum, paying Landry makes zero sense. The Dolphins are up against the salary cap and have far more pressing needs than him. The thing is, this season is too important to lose the main cog of your squad. This Fins team, with Tannehill likely in a make-or-break year, deserves a shot.
The 2018 season is pivotal one for the Dolphins. They should agree to kick the can down the road on Landry. He has earned the huge paycheck he would receive.