As expected, the Cowboys will be moving on from right tackle La’el Collins. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, he will be released later today (Twitter link). 
It had been reported earlier this week that the team was trying to find a trade partner for Collins. There was apparently a market developing for teams to trade for him, but he will hit the open market instead. Archer adds that the 28-year-old will be designated a post-June 1st cut. Doing so will save the Cowboys $10MM in cap space, as opposed to $1.3MM had they traded him.
Collins joined the Cowboys as a UDFA in 2015. He quickly established himself as the team’s starting right tackle, playing a significant role on one of the league’s best offensive lines. Durability wasn’t a concern during a three-year stretch from 2017 to 2019, where he only missed one game. In 2021, however, he was limited to 12 contests.
While he only played 671 snaps this past season, the LSU product showed he’s still capable of playing at a high level. He earned a PFF grade of 82, confirming that his release is related to finances, not performance. Between his age and caliber of play, he is likely to have a number of suitors interested in his services.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, are set to move forward with 2020 UDFA Terence Steele as their new starting right tackle.
Dallas is loading up for something.. That gives them roughly 36 million in cap space. I’m guessing the Honey Badger maybe? Bobby Wagner.
Have no insider track but it would be great if Wagner did become a Cowboy. As coveted as he is its odd he hasn’t signed yet? So I’d agree they are clearing room and Wagner has been told to sit tight?
Wagner would fit nicely in the middle of the defense and allow them more flexibility to shift Parson’s around so it wouldn’t surprise me in the least. He’s got ties to Quinn from Seattle as well.
Maybe Zadarius since he didn’t sign with Balt?
Fins need to scoop him up quickly.
Hope the Bengals don’t go that route … injury prone and comes with some baggage .. would rather pursue other options
There’s no other options that fit better than him at RT.
Baggage aside, you gotta do everything you can to protect Joe.
Bengals would go from Jonah being their best OL to the 4th best. Do it
Still no pro bowlers though. It’s an upgrade but not a huge upgrade
What good does cap space do if you wont spend it?
Cowboys can’t spend that $10mill until June 1st.
They’ll use that to sign all their draft picks. It frees them up from having to save that out of the 26-27 million they have free now.
A dozen phones just rang at Dallas HQ.
He’d be a good replacement for Bulaga for the Chargers
Would really round out their o/line. Chargers
Don’t forget, however much your under the cap, that’s how much your allowed to go over it the next year.
Fins up
I said the same thing about Trent Brown and the Raiders yesterday but plug in Collins and move Leatherwood to guard. Get it done Ziegler!