The Cowboys became the latest team to solve the third-round negotiation matrix, reaching an agreement to sign Maliek Collins on Wednesday night, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
A defensive tackle from Nebraska, Collins signed his customary four-year agreement with the Cowboys, one that includes an $881K+ signing bonus. The Cowboys now have their entire draft class signed after the previous eight selections had all agreed to deals by May 31.
Language in the CBA makes third-rounders’ contracts more complex than players chosen in the other rounds, inducing the delay for many talents taken off the board late during Day 2 of the draft. However, just one now remains unsigned, Titans defensive back Kevin Byard.
Collins, though, may have to wait longer than his brethren to suit up for his team. The former Cornhusker broke his foot and underwent surgery more than five weeks ago. He’s expected to miss training camp for a team that’s already quite depleted on its front seven. Demarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory and Rolando McClain are out due to suspensions, and the Cowboys opted not to bring back Greg Hardy.
Collins enjoyed a strong sophomore season at Nebraska, making 45 tackles — 13 of which behind the line of scrimmage — and 4.5 sacks. As a junior in 2015, though, the 300-pound interior lineman did not have quite the same statistical impact, making 29 stops and seven of those coming for loss.
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