Former Dallas Cowboys lineman La’el Collins agrees to three-year contract with Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI — The textual content message that flashed throughout La’el Collins‘ telephone on Sunday was the query Cincinnati Bengals followers stored asking all through the weekend. And it was from essentially the most outstanding particular person within the metropolis.

“Deal finished?” Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow requested Collins, the inquiry posed with a number of questions marks. Collins had a easy reply.

“I used to be like, ‘Yeah, your new bodyguard is on the town,'” Collins stated in a video assertion launched by the Bengals on Sunday. “No one is touching you.”

The Bengals on Sunday signed Collins, a former Dallas Cowboys sort out, to a three-year contract. Sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the deal is value as much as $30 million however, in actuality, is extra of a two-year, $20 million deal value as much as $22 million. The third yr was added to assist prorate the deal and unfold out Cincinnati’s cap cost, sources informed Schefter.

Cincinnati, recent off its first Tremendous Bowl look in 33 years, has now added offensive linemen Ted Karras, Alex Cappa and Collins through the NFL free-agency signing interval to assist defend Burrow, one thing the Bengals had points with, particularly within the postseason. Cincinnati ranked 30th in cross block win fee final yr, based on NFL Subsequent Gen Stats and ESPN Stats & Info analysis.

Within the video assertion issued by the staff, Collins cited his relationship with Bengals assistant coach Frank Pollack for Cincinnati being a “excellent match.”

Pollack oversaw the Cowboys offensive line when Collins entered the league in 2015. Pollack met with native media in Cincinnati on Friday, when the offensive lineman was at Paul Brown Stadium throughout his go to. Pollack stated he had a “nice relationship” with Collins throughout their time in Dallas and stated he had the disposition the Bengals sought in free company.

“He undoubtedly suits the mould of a ‘glass eater,'” Pollack stated. “Simply watch his tape. That is clearly evident. He’s nasty and he was a whole lot of enjoyable to teach.”

The Cowboys launched Collins on March 17 and designated it a post-June 1 transfer that may save them $10 million on their wage cap. The Cowboys had commerce discussions with groups on the NFL scouting mix and had given Collins’ brokers, Deryk Gilmore and Peter Schaffer, the flexibility to hunt a commerce. The New England Patriots had curiosity, simply as they did in Amari Cooper, sources informed ESPN’s Todd Archer, however Collins’ contract was a difficulty.

Collins signed a five-year, $50 million contract extension in 2019 that carried assured cash into this season. Nonetheless, a five-game suspension final yr for violating the NFL’s substance abuse coverage voided the $6.48 million in ensures.

Over the previous two seasons, Collins missed 21 of 33 video games to harm or suspension. He didn’t play in 2020 due to hip surgical procedure and began 10 of the 12 video games he performed in 2022.

Collins signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent after circumstances noticed him go from a possible first-round choice to not chosen in any respect after his identify was related to a homicide investigation. The Cowboys signed him after a dinner at Jerry Jones’ home by which he was joined by coaches and soon-to-be teammates.

He started his profession at left guard however missed 13 video games in 2016 due to a toe harm that required surgical procedure. In 2017, Collins moved to proper sort out and began 47 of the following 48 video games. He had his finest season in 2019, however the hip harm has damage his productiveness since. Collins caps a busy begin to the Bengals free company that would assist the Bengals have as many as 4 new beginning offensive linemen for the season opener in 2022.

“You have a look at the fellows which are round that helps construct this staff to what it’s, I imply, what different staff would you wish to be part of?” Collins stated in his video assertion. “I am simply excited. And I am unable to wait to get to work.”