Reports circulated on Tuesday that OT La’el Collins had signed with the Dallas Cowboys and rejoined his old stomping grounds. However, that isn’t the case yet.
What Happened With La’el Collins?
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that a deal hasn’t been made between Collins and the Cowboys, but the interest on both sides remains high.
When Mike McCarthy was asked about Collins, he said the team was “still working through a bunch of stuff.”
McCarthy also implied that there would be more clarification on the situation on Thursday.
However, he said Collins looked great in the workout he did on Tuesday.
Multiple reports state that the Cowboys are still interested in signing Collins, but other teams remain in the mix for the decision.
Collins even posted a throwback picture of himself in a Cowboys uniform on Tuesday with the caption, “I’m blessed, Ima give you everything in me. I love you. #HOME”
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Collins would add depth to the offensive line, especially now that Tyler Smith is dealing with a torn plantar fascia, which he suffered against the Lions.
With the Cowboys one win away from taking the NFC East and an offensive line that could use all of the depth it can take, getting Collins signed to the practice squad would be ideal.
Collins’ History With the Cowboys
Collins was with the Cowboys from 2015 to 2021, so there is history there with the team.
He was an undrafted free agent in 2015 and was the team’s starting left guard in 2016 before injury cut his season short. By 2016, he was moved to the right tackle position and signed multiple contract extensions.
Fast forward to 2020, when a neck injury would eventually have Terence Steele take the starting right tackle position from Collins.
However, Collins would get the starting job back before breaking the NFL’s substance abuse policy, and more back-and-forth moves would ensue. Eventually, the Cowboys permitted Collins to seek a trade. He has been with the Cincinnati Bengals since then, and injuries have been the cause of the lack of production for the 30-year-old.
Most notable was a torn left ACL and MCL injury, which ended his season.
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