Former Cowboy could be cap victim after free agency move

Former Cowboys tackle La’el Collins could be on the chopping block after his current team, the Bengals, landed his replacement earlier this offseason.

One of the biggest offensive line rookies of the past offseason may already be on the hunt for a new team in 2023: Former Dallas Cowboys tackle La’el Collins has suddenly found himself in a precarious position.

Collins signed with the Cincinnati Bengals last year as part of the team’s drastic effort to overhaul their offensive line and was at the time touted as a fantastic free agent acquisition. After six years anchoring the O line in Dallas, Collins joined Cincy as the franchise’s most experienced right tackle and crucial member of Joe Burrow’s bodyguard unit.

A year later, Collins proved to be one of the trenches’ biggest disappointments as he tore his ACL at a critical moment late in the regular season. To make matters worse, he now has much stiffer competition for a starting role in the offensive line following the Bengals’ successful signing of former Chiefs tackle Orlando Brown.

Brown will unequivocally slip into left tackle, moving Jonah Williams to the right side (assuming Williams doesn’t force a trade) to compete with Collins for the starting right tackle job. All of this forces the Bengals to seriously consider releasing Collins and spending the extra money on expanding their most secure franchise elements.

Former Cowboys tackle La’el Collins could once again swim in free agency

According Ben baby from ESPNthe Bengals would eat just $3.3 million in dead money and save $6 million from the cap if they cut Collins before June 1.

It made sense for Cincy to drop the injury-prone tackle after last season, and after the signing of Orlando Brown, it makes even more sense for the Bengals and Collins to part ways in 2023.

Of course, Cincy would want as much depth as possible in the O-line unit, one of their weakest positions in recent history; however, at Collins’ price and given the expensive superstars the Bengals need to expand in the future (Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins), the team may no longer be able to justify the big contract and issues. of health from Collins.

Cincy also added a total wild card into the mix and just signed former Buffalo Bills tackle Cody Ford, telling Ford he would have a good chance to take over right tackle duties as Collins continues to rehabilitate his ACL and Williams are considering a trade.

Expect tough decisions for the Bengals front office in the months ahead.