The Cincinnati Bengals entered the offseason with a major need to revamp their offensive line, and now they have once again bolstered their unit with a key signing.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bengals are finalizing a deal for offensive tackle La’el Collins. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer adds that Collins will sign a three-year contract deal with the reigning AFC champions.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo notes that Collins was supposed to leave Cincinnati for another visit, but the team “didn’t let him go.” And after more talks, the Bengals have a new right tackle.
Collins featured in six seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before they opted to release him on Thursday. The Cowboys were open to parting ways with the veteran offensive lineman via a trade, but in the end, they designated him as a post-June 1 cut, which meant that the team would save $10 million in cap space.
Collins is set to replace Riley Reiff at the right tackle position, who is still currently an unrestricted free agent. Reiff was the Bengals’ starter at right tackle last season until he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in December. He finished the campaign with 12 games played and allowed four total sacks.
The Bengals later called upon Isaiah Prince to slot into the right tackle position, and the move did not go as planned for head coach Zac Taylor. For one, Prince wound up allowing six total pressures in Super Bowl 56 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Collins is the Bengals’ third notable offensive line addition in the ongoing free agency period, as they also signed center Ted Karras and guard Alex Cappa.
It remains to be seen if the Bengals plan to once again bolster their offensive line in the coming month, whether in the remainder of free agency or the 2022 NFL Draft.
Follow Us
Subscribe