Report: Potential trade partner emerges for La'el Collins, Dallas Cowboys
According to a report from Andrew Callahan, the New England Patriots have emerged as a potential trade partner for the Dallas Cowboys when it comes to right tackle La’el Collins. Callahan says paying the contract was an issue before but thanks to a move, the Patriots now have space.
“The Patriots have weighed acquiring Dallas OL La’El Collins via trade, according to sources,” Callahan said. “Price had been a sticking point, but they’ve now effectively doubled their cap space by trading away Shaq Mason.”
Dallas is looking to get rid of Collins to save room on the salary cap, believing Terrance Steele can be the starting right tackle going forward. After initially saying a trade was likely, reports surfaced saying the Cowboys would be willing to cut Collins as well.
Despite being a former On3 Consensus top-five overall prospect, Collins went undrafted in 2015 and was picked up by the Cowboys shortly after. He has been a starter for the franchise ever since but due to cap issues, Dallas is looking to move on.
For the Patriots, they could be bringing in a veteran starter to play right tackle to protect franchise quarterback Mac Jones. Giving up the third-fewest sacks was already impressive enough and adding Collins would help even more in pass protection. If head coach Bill Belichick and New England can pull it off, a stud will be entering the AFC East.
La’el Collins future up in the air with the Dallas Cowboys
Just days ago, the Cowboys were allowing Collins to speak to other teams, but it seems a deal could not be brought on in the timely manner Dallas would have liked.
“Dallas has given permission to starting RT La’el Collins to seek a trade, according to his new agent Peter Schaffer. Dallas needs cap room and Collins was scheduled to make $15.25 million this season. Likely to be released if no trade,” Adam Schefter tweeted at the time.
The Cowboys can save $13.95 million of that by cutting or trading him. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted on Thursday that both scenarios could be on the table, as the Cowboys are looking to do anything they can to be in a comfortable situation regarding their salary cap heading into free agency this offseason.
“He is one of the most outstanding offensive linemen in the country,” team owner Jerry Jones said recently of Collins. He’s spent his entire career in Dallas, but that time seems to be coming to a close rapidly.