The Cowboys or Chargers may sign $50 million free agent offensive tackle, Lael Collins this season. According to a report, one source believes the Buccaneers should sign Collins to stabilize the offensive line for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Since losing Luke Goedeke, the team has been struggling to find a reliable man to protect Mayfield in the pocket. Collins was one of the best tackles in the league after signing a mega contract extension before the 2019 campaign.
However, injuries have been hindering his playmaking abilities and he became an afterthought on Dallas’ best offensive lines back then. Collins got into some trouble leading to his release from Dallas and he tried to carve out a name for himself in Cincinnati. After signing a three-year contract, the veteran started 15 games before suffering a season-ending injury while he sat out all 2023 campaign recovering. Collins is probably one of the best available tackles available and it shouldn’t be too long before he finds a new home.
Unfortunately, no team has been reaching out to him for services after he didn’t survive the final roster cuts with Buffalo in August. He still has one last real shot at another team that needs veteran help to assist any quarterback.
Cowboys, Chargers May Sign $50 Million Free Agent Lael Collins
Reunion in Dallas?
The Cowboys could be a familiar team that could bring back Collins to the lineup. Dallas has arguably one of the youngest offensive lines this year since their older tackle is Zack Martin. It’s unclear if Tyler Guyton will be ready for week 6 but the Cowboys should sign Collins for insurance. Collins may not be the same player he once was alongside Martin and former Cowboy Travis Frederick but he doesn’t need to play a full-time role.
Dallas is already moving most of their offensive tackles around in rotation to help fill the void. Collins’ presence should allow guys like Tyler Smith to play their respective positions and T.J. Bass back on the reserve. However, Dallas lacks a wideout group behind CeeDee Lamb, so they must make life easier for Dak Prescott. Collins has the size to step in knows the system and could help create some separation.
Perhaps, Collins could be the final piece of a struggling backfield needs. Rico Dowdle is showing some flashes but Ezekiel Elliott still struggles to find his holes and gain yardage. Collins could help Elliott and Prescott get back into their prime in terms of the chemistry.
Reinforcements for Justin Herbert
Rookie Joe Alt should be back which is a sign of good news for Justin Herbert. However, Herbert is still struggling to get back to full health after suffering a high-ankle injury. Jim Harbaugh must do everything in his power to protect Herbert once they return from their bye week. Herbert’s ankle injury was intensifying but the break may have given them time, injuries could always creep up.
Harbaugh wants to win football games in the trenches and that doesn’t happen without a solid offensive line. The running game has been average so the addition of Collins could help. They don’t want to depend on Alt carrying most of the work alongside Rashawn Slater so Collins’ presence should stabilize this entire offense.
