As a surprising move this offseason, the New York Giants decided to not place the franchise tag on Landon Collins, making him an unrestricted free agent. Now Collins is about to be a member of the Washington Redskins.
It's not every day you see a multi-year captain be allowed to go elsewhere for absolutely nothing. Collins seemed to have an interest in staying in New York, but the Giants had other plans.
After the Giants decided to let Collins walk free, the market for Collins expanded. The 2019 free agency class is headlined by elite safeties, including Earl Thomas, Tyrann Mathieu, and HaHa Clinton-Dix. It didn't take long for one team to express how much it wanted Collins' services.
On Monday, March 11, NFL teams were allowed to meet with players and verbally come to agreements on deals. The NFL calls it the “legal tampering period,” which is weird but makes things exciting before free agency formally begins on March 13.
The Redskins didn't hesitate to make a move for a guy they faced twice a year for the past four seasons. According to Josina Anderson of ESPN, the former Giants safety will be staying in the NFC East to join the Redskins.
The deal is reported to be worth $84 million over six years. Furthermore, the deal also includes $45 million in guaranteed money.
Washington showed it dearly wanted to add Collins to its roster. The Redskins secured him for six years, showing the confidence they have in him to turn things around.
What should Redskins fans expect to get out of Landon Collins? He has been one of the best safeties in the NFL since he was picked 33rd in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Since then, Collins has managed to rack up 428 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and eight interceptions. He is just two years removed from a 2016 season when he was named a First-Team All-Pro.
Signing Landon Collins changes the culture of a franchise. During his time with the Giants, the talented safety was one of the leaders in Big Blue's locker room.
That is one thing the Redskins could sorely use right now. Currently, the Redskins don't have many players who can lead a team.
In 2018, the Redskins were 15th against the pass and were ranked ninth in interceptions. Both of those categories should improve with the arrival of Collins.
As a safety, Collins isn't just a threat in the passing game. The All-Pro safety isn't afraid to lay the wood on incoming ball-carriers. As a result, Collins has collected at least 96 tackles in every season of his career, not too shabby for an NFL safety.
The Redskins' franchise seems to be in flux right now, especially on offense. It will add Case Keenum via trade when the new league year starts, but you shouldn't feel too confident about that move.
Alex Smith is unlikely to play this season. With his career in jeopardy, you may need to find your future guy sooner than expected. At least with Collins, you have security at the safety position for years to come.
Follow Us
Subscribe