The Dallas Cowboys have given starting right tackle La’el Collins permission to seek a trade as the team looks to move on from the former LSU product. What should you look for next?
Cowboys allow La’el Collins to pursue trade
I’m told at this point the Cowboys would accept anything in return for Collins, even a late-round pick. If they can’t trade Collins, the expectations are Dallas will likely release the offensive tackle. It might be difficult to trade him as he carries a $10 million price tag.
If Dallas cuts Collins now, they’ll save $1.3 million in cap space, but they’ll also be on the hook for nearly $14 million in dead money. Those figures would remain the same if he’s traded. If the Cowboys designate Collins as a post-June 1 cut, they’ll only incur $5.25 million in dead money while saving $10 million in 2022.
Buccaneers, Dolphins interested in Collins
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are very interested in acquiring Collins, though they would need to free up more room under the salary cap should they want to work a trade for him. The Bucs are set at offensive tackle with Donovan Smith on the left side and Tristan Wirfs on the right. However, Collins has the ability to play guard. He could help make up for the retirement of Ali Marpet or the potential free agent loss of Alex Cappa.
The Miami Dolphins are also looking into the possibility of acquiring Collins via a trade. Additionally, they could target Collins if he is eventually cut by Dallas. Miami has holes all over its offensive line and is expected to be active in the OL market when free agency opens next week.
Cowboys’ plans at linebacker
The Cowboys also have a decision to make to fill the hole at middle linebacker. If they don’t re-sign Leighton Vander Esch or come to terms with Bobby Wagner, keep an eye on veteran Alec Ogletree, who would be an inexpensive option.
Ogletree, 30, was a first-round pick of the Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft. He’s since spent time with the Giants, Jets, and Bears. Last season, he started all 16 games for Chicago, racking up 87 tackles in the process. He played on a minimum salary contract in 2021.