The Dallas Cowboys had a big decision to make regarding the future of La'el Collins. While the team was mulling releasing its veteran offensive lineman, multiple teams reportedly expressed trade interest in the 28-year-old. Among those teams were the New England Patriots, with Bill Belichick and Co. said to be plotting a move for the star pass protector. Well, despite teams honing in on Collins, the Cowboys have surprisingly opted to release him, according to Todd Archer.

The release will be designated as a post-June 1 cut, which will enable the Cowboys to save $10 million. Collins will become a free agent where he's expected to have numerous teams interested in signing him to a deal. It's unclear what teams were offering in trades for Collins, but clearly it wasn't enough to move the needle for Dallas, which opted to cut him outright and open up some cap space.

Collins had signed a five-year, $50 million contract with the Cowboys in 2019 and was set to enter the deal's fourth year in 2022. Instead, the Cowboys opted to part ways with the veteran in order to free up space for other moves in free agency.

The Patriots are expected to be among the teams pursuing Collins when he hits the open market, though there's sure to be competition for New England in securing his signature.

Collins was an undrafted rookie out of LSU, who latched on with the Cowboys in 2015 and worked his way into the starting lineup. He became a mainstay in the trenches for Dallas, serving as a key protector for Dak Prescott.