News has broken out that Landon Collins has cleaned out his locker and is not expected to return to the New York Giants, hitting NFL free agency. This is according to ESPN's Josina Anderson and confirmed by Collins himself via Twitter.
The stuff in that locker that I have left I do not needšÆ
ā LANDON COLLINS (@TheHumble_21) February 20, 2019
What a rough day for Giants fans who were holding out hope that things could be worked out between the organization and Collins this offseason. Fans have to realize there is a business side to football and everything doesn't always work out.
It's uncertain whether or not the Giants ever negotiated with Collins. Nonetheless, it's a questionable move for New York to let Collins walk in free agency. This could be the beginning of a bevy of moves for the Giants.
Collins was a defensive captain for the franchise and has been one of the best safeties in the NFL since he joined the league in 2015. Of course, with Collins seemingly becomingĀ available, the free agent market for safeties becomes even deeper.
This free agent class already included the likes of Earl Thomas, Tyrann Mathieu, HaHa Clinton-Dix, Lamarcus Joyner, and more. There are plenty of teams who would love to add Collins to their roster.
Here are three teams who could be in play to sign the soon-to-be former Giants safety.
3. Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks could be an under the radar team that could ultimately land Collins. Heading into the 2019 offseason, the Seahawks have around $53 million in cap space (eighth most in NFL).
Seattle's secondary hasn't been quite the same since the āLegion of Boomā was broken apart. Richard Sherman left for the San Francisco 49ers, Kam Chancellor retired due to injury, and Thomas is likely to leave in free agency.
If the Seahawks were able to sign Collins, they could return to their old form with a dominant secondary.
In 2018, the Seahawks started Tedric Thompson at strong safety. He had a decent season, finishing with 41 tackles and one interception. Collins would exponentially improve the Seahawks secondaryāas he would for most teams in the NFL.
The Seahawks offense, led by Russell Wilson, will always be capable of putting up points. An addition of Collins could return the Seahawks to their dominant days on defense.
2. San Francisco 49ers
As we were just talking about the Seahawks, why wouldn't Richard Sherman's current team go after someone like Collins? With the cap space that the 49ers possess, it'd be tough to see them pass on the opportunity to at least try for the former first-team All-Pro safety.
The 49ers have around $76 million (fifth-most in NFL) to play with heading into the new league year. The possibilities are endless for the team that will soon be the only one in the Bay.
Currently, the 49ers have Jaquiski Tartt suiting up at free safety. Tarttālike Collinsācame in the league in 2015. In those four seasons, Tartt has 156 solo tackles and three interceptions.
Comparatively, Collins has 321 solo tackles and eight interceptions. You can't forget the 2016 season, where Collins had 125 total tackles, five interceptions, four sacks, and a touchdown.
The 49ers are striking gold if they are able to land Collins this offseason. In the NFC West, they'll need a strong secondary to keep up with the Los Angeles Rams, Seahawks, and the Kliff Kingsbury-led Arizona Cardinals.
If Collins is on his way out of New York, don't rule out the chances of him trading his fur coats for some flip flops and sunglasses.
1. Indianapolis Colts
If I had to bet on a team who signs Collins, it is the Indianapolis Colts. After a 10-6 season in their first year with Frank Reich as head coach, the Colts have plenty of money to spend. They've already been linked to Collins in rumors as well.
The Colts have around $107 million (most in NFL) to use this offseason. They can basically sign a whole new roster if they pleased. It's highly unlikely they make any major changes to their team given all of the young, cheap talent they have, unless it improves them in a huge way.
The offense is starting to fall into place with Andrew Luck looking healthy, Marlon Mack breaking out, Eric Ebron showing promise, T.Y. Hilton still balling, and a phenomenal offensive line.
The defense is where the issues lie for the Colts. In 2018, the Colts ranked 16th in defending the pass. By acquiring Collins, the Colts can rely on him to strengthen the backend of their secondary.
He is also very capable of stopping the run. If you've watched Collins play in New York, you know he isn't afraid of contact.
Signing Collins would be a huge improvement from Indianapolis' current situation at strong safety. Clayton Geathers was the Colts' strong safety in 2018. Geathers had 61 tackles and a forced fumble.
Signing Collins would be yet another step in the right direction for the Indianapolis organization and Frank Reich.
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