Free agent offensive offensive tackle La’el Collins has signed a three-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. Financial details of the contract have not yet been released. After being released by the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Collins was not without a job for long. Still a prominent tackle in the league, he fills a big hole on Cincinnati’s roster.
La’el Collins Signs Three-Year Deal With Cincinnati Bengals
After being let down by their offensive line during their surprise run to Super Bowl 56, the Bengals entered the off-season knowing they’d need numerous upgrades to the group. The first was right guard Alex Cappa, a very solid player who spent the first four season of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Next, the team got their hands on Ted Karras, an underrated guard who spent 2021 with the New England Patriots and will likely be Cincinnati’s starting center. Finally, the Bengals added Collins, who will come in and lock down the right tackle spot.
After being suspended for five games, La’el Collins played 12 games for the Cowboys in 2021. Prior to 2021, Collins missed just one game over the previous three seasons with Dallas. His play was good as usual in 2021, earning an 82.0 grade from Pro Football Focus on the year. Specifically, Collins has been an exceptional pass blocker throughout his career. Though the run game is still important, the NFL is clearly a passing league. With a great young quarterback and an elite group of weapons, Cincinnati will appreciate the boost in pass blocking.
Joe Burrow was sacked 51 times in 2021. In four playoff games, he was sacked 19 times. Simply put, the Bengals are loaded on the offensive side of the ball. Their only weakness was their offensive line, which you could certainly argue cost them a Super Bowl trophy. Based on their off-season moves, it’s apparent that Cincinnati wants to tighten up the blocking for their franchise quarterback and make a push for another AFC title. La’el Collins is a huge piece of the puzzle and is a great pickup for the Bengals.
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