Patriots reportedly showing interest in former Bengals OT La'El Collins
The New England Patriots have some clear issues on the offensive line, and they are reportedly looking into one recently released offensive tackle. MassLive's Mark Daniels reports that the Patriots are interested in La’el Collins, and he added that "the team's level of interest is considered due diligence." The Cincinnati Bengals released Collins from the physically […]
The New England Patriots have some clear issues on the offensive line, and they are reportedly looking into one recently released offensive tackle.
MassLive's Mark Daniels reports that the Patriots are interested in La’el Collins, and he added that "the team's level of interest is considered due diligence."
The Cincinnati Bengals released Collins from the physically unable to perform list on Wednesday. The tackle signed with the Bengals in March 2022 and started 15 games for them, but tore his left ACL and MCL in December, ending his season.
That injury forced him to start the 2023 season on the reserve/PUP list.
Prior to playing for the Bengals, Collins played for the Dallas Cowboys for seven seasons. Across his eight seasons in the league, Collins has appeared in 89 games.
The Patriots have some problems on the offensive line, having placed Conor McDermott and Riley Reiff on injured reserve. McDermott is out for the entire season, but Reiff is on short-term IR. In the season opener, New England was also without Cole Strange and Michael Onwenu, with head coach Bill Belichick saying that "they'll eventually play."
"We’ll seen when that is, just take it day by day," Belichick told the media on Wednesday. "The last time they practiced was Friday. So, it’s five days later, we’ll see what kind of progress they’ve made and go from there."
While his injury provides some reason for doubt, it will be interesting to see if Collins can fill a dire need on the offensive line.
Patriots should pursue recently released tackle La’El Collins
The New England Patriots may have found the perfect piece to add to their offensive line.
Featured Image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
