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Update:
After his release, the Patriots have shown interest in tackle La’el Collins. However, at this time, the team’s level of interest is considered due diligence, according MassLive’s Mark Daniels.
Original Story:
The Cincinnati Bengals have made a surprising move by releasing former starting offensive tackle, La’el Collins, following their season-opening loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Despite their 24-3 defeat on Sunday, where quarterback Joe Burrow faced intense pressure from the Browns’ defense, the Bengals decided to part ways with Collins, a big-ticket free-agent signing from last offseason.
The 30-year-old Collins had been on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which would have sidelined him for a minimum of four games. However, the Bengals opted to release him, making him a free agent able to sign with any team as soon as he’s medically cleared.
Originally signed to a three-year, $21 million contract in the 2022 free-agency, Collins’ release provides the Bengals with significant salary cap relief, saving them over $7 million.
Despite being highly regarded as a prospect, La’el Collins went undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft due to off-field issues that were later resolved.
He signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free-agent, where he played from 2015 to 2021, mostly as a full-time starter. Collins made 86 starts in his NFL career.
There are plenty of teams who are in need of offensive line help, so Collins figures to land of his feet quickly with a new team.