Who Should Make The Trade For Dallas Cowboys OT La'el Collins?
Another domino seems to be falling for the Dallas Cowboys. First it was Amari Cooper, then DeMarcus Lawrence. Now, another high-priced player could be on his way out. With news dropping that the Cowboys could be in the market to shop La'el Collins, it immediately set off three different reactions: Why would the front office […]
Another domino seems to be falling for the Dallas Cowboys. First it was Amari Cooper, then DeMarcus Lawrence. Now, another high-priced player could be on his way out.
With news dropping that the Cowboys could be in the market to shop La'el Collins, it immediately set off three different reactions:
- Why would the front office trade one of their better offensive linemen?
- What could the Dallas Cowboys land in a trade?
- Which teams would most benefit from his services?
Like the wide receiver and edge rusher position, offensive tackle is a premium position. The blindside tackle is always more coveted, but teams will always look to secure both spots.
In the last three seasons we have seen marquee names like Laremy Tunsil, Trent Williams and Orlando Brown all traded. All cost a bundle to secure, but have been worth it in the name of protecting their respective team's quarterback.
This move, realistically, has probably been a long time coming. Since signing his five-year contract extension in 2019, Collins has been active for 27 of a possible 49 regular season games. Whether it's been injury, or suspension for missing drug tests (and bribery), Collins hasn't consistently been able to stay on the field.
Two-year swing tackle Terence Steele is showing signs of improvement at right tackle, and at a cheaper price. Even though he's not on the same playing field as Collins yet, he's been on the actual playing field more than Collins in his short career.
A pre-June 1st trade for Collins only save the Dallas Cowboys $1.3 million in cap space, but this is clearly a rebuild move. Saving the money it will cost to pay him will be used to pay players like CeeDee Lamb, Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons over the next two seasons at the earliest. As well as give them what looks to be a more reliable player to stay active in Steele.
No matter the money saved or factors that go into this move, there is always a market for a starting offensive tackle. Especially with a relatively manageable contract. All of these teams have a serious need for Collins's services.
Cincinnati Bengals
The defending AFC Champions are fresh off their Super Bowl run. In their entire playoff series, they showed the same weakness the Kansas City Chiefs did in the previous year's Super Bowl: the offensive line.
Joe Burrow was sacked 19 times in the postseason. La'el Collins only allowed two sacks all season in 671 snaps played. This would instantly make him the Bengals best pass protector, and a one of the team's best run blockers for Joe Mixon, as well.
The Bengals look ready to spend in free agency again. Given where they will be drafting (31st overall), they won't find a better offensive lineman available at that spot.
Denver Broncos
Now that the Broncos have their franchise quarterback, they'll need to fill the one remaining question mark on their offense. Ironically the same place Collins plays. Coincidence?
Russell Wilson already has his best offensive line in years. Adding La'el Collins would give Denver maybe the most complete starting offensive line in the league.
The Broncos have plenty of remaining cap space to pay Collins's $10 million base salary for 2022. Considering it likely wouldn't cost them a first they no longer have, Denver might be the next "F them picks" team to succeed. They still have plenty of picks to mess around with, even after the Wilson trade.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have improved each year with Kyler Murray as their quarterback. Their offensive line does have questions on it, however, and Collins would be an answer. A pairing of DJ Humphries and Collins gives Murray an extra second longer on his feet.
Current right tackle, Kelvin Beachum has been solid and inexpensive, but injuries and age are catching up. This is already a likely spot as the Cardinals are looking to upgrade to appease their quarterback. Keeping him upright would go a long way in doing so.
It would be interesting to see if the Dallas Cowboys would be willing to make a deal with their former division rival.
Chicago Bears
Justin Fields didn't have the rookie season Bears fans hoped for, but most of it was due to poor blocking, evidenced by 36 sacks in 10 starts. In fact, the Bears allowed a league worst 58 sacks all season!
James Daniel and Germain Ifedi are unrestricted free agents and Teven Jenkins only has two starts to his name after missing most of 2021 due to injury. A young quarterback like Fields can only benefit from better blocking up front. Especially with so many holes on the line.
There's a new regime in Chicago and taking care of their young quarterback needs to priority No. 1.
Miami Dolphins
This is the most obvious team here. Miami gave up 40 sacks all season long, but have been shuffling offensive linemen like its high-stakes poker. It's no wonder they're linked to all the premium offensive linemen in free agency.
We already mentioned how they would be a fit for Amari Cooper, as well. While a two-player trade of this magnitude isn't likely, the Dolphins have a need for speed. At the same time, they've got a more important need: A need to keep Tua on his feet
La'el Collins would immediately be the Dolphins best offensive lineman, which is great considering he's left handed. Which would make Collins his blindside tackle. The most important spot on the line.
Featured image via Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
