La'el Collins explains why move to Cincinnati was 'perfect fit'
La’el Collins has taken his talents from the Dallas Cowboys to the Cincinnati Bengals. After his decision was finalized, the former LSU star explained why Cincinnati was the best fit for his future.
“There are good fits and perfect fits,” Collins said, via the Bengals website. “I felt like this was the perfect fit from the jump. Obviously my history with Coach Frank [Pollack]. The type of coach he is. His standards are high. He’s the best offensive line coach I’ve been around since I’ve been in the NFL, hands down. And getting back to work with him. And also the players on this team you see and look at the guys around that helped bring this team to where it is. What other team would you want to be part of?”
Last season, the Bengals made the Super Bowl in-spite of their offensive line being a weakness. Now, the signing of La’el Collins caps off what’s been a fantastic offseason thus far, where Cincinnati has rebuilt their weak link.
While Collins enjoyed immense success with the Cowboys, the sky is the limit for the former LSU offensive lineman and the upstart Cincinnati Bengals.
La’el Collins reveals epic first quote to Joe Burrow
Last season, Joe Burrow carried the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl behind one of the worst offensive lines in NFL history. Not surprisingly, the franchise has made it a focus to upgrade their offensive line during the 2022 offseason. Recently signed OT La’el Collins had some epic first words for his new star quarterback.
According to Marisa Contipelli, the former LSU Tigers‘ star told Burrow, “Your new bodyguard is in town, no one’s touching you.”
Landing Collins is massive for the Bengals since they had to beat out the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots for his services. Cincinnati still has a little bit of work to be done along the offensive line but acquiring Collins is definitely yet another step in the right direction. The Bengals still need to find a few more pieces for their offensive line, whether it’s in free agency or the upcoming NFL Draft.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Collins planned to leave Cincinnati for another free agent visit after the meeting, but the Bengals did not let him go. The deal marks the third offensive line shift the Bengals have made this offseason in an attempt to protect the future of their franchise.
On3’s Wade Peery contributed to this report.