In a shocking turn of events, it appears that the Buffalo Bills are contemplating cutting ties with offensive tackle La’el Collins, sending ripples through the NFL community and sparking interest from potential suitors like the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints.
Collins, who initially burst onto the scene as an undrafted rookie in 2015, quickly made a name for himself as one of the league’s premier offensive tackles, boasting an impressive 82.0 PFF grade in 2021. However, his performance took a hit in 2022 before a devastating injury sidelined him for the entire 2023 season. Despite signing a modest one-year, $1.75 million deal with the Bills, Collins’ future with the team now hangs in the balance.
According to a report by Ryan O’Halloran of the Buffalo News, Collins finds himself in a precarious position as fellow tackle Ryan Van Demark has overtaken him on the depth chart. With starting right tackle Spencer Brown expected to return from shoulder surgery, Collins may find himself on the outside looking in when final roster cuts are made.
“This could be a kiss of death for his career,” one source remarked. The harsh reality of the NFL’s “Not For Long” mantra looms large for Collins, who may face an uncertain future if he is indeed released by the Bills. However, hope remains in the form of potential interest from teams like the Panthers and Saints.
For the Carolina Panthers, solidifying the left tackle position is paramount as they look to support quarterback Bryce Young’s development. With key additions to the offensive line and receiving corps, the Panthers could benefit from adding a seasoned veteran like Collins to bolster their line and provide stability for their young signal-caller.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints are also in need of reinforcements along the offensive line to protect newly-acquired quarterback Derek Carr. With question marks surrounding the health of starting tackles Ryan Ramczyk and Taliese Fuaga, Collins could provide valuable insurance against any potential struggles in 2024.
Even if Collins is not needed at tackle, his versatility could see him transition to guard for the Saints, who are in dire need of an upgrade at the position. As a former guard early in his career, Collins has the experience and skill set to thrive in a different role and potentially solidify the interior of New Orleans’ offensive line.
As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes will be on La’el Collins and his potential landing spots as the NFL offseason progresses. Whether it’s a reunion with the Bills, a new chapter with the Panthers, or a fresh start with the Saints, one thing is certain – Collins’ future in the league hangs in the balance, waiting for the next chapter to be written.
With the NFL landscape constantly evolving, only time will tell where La’el Collins will end up and what impact he will have on his next team. As the off-season drama unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting news of Collins’ fate and the eventual resolution of this intriguing storyline.
(Photo Credit: Kareem Elgazzar – USA Today Sports)
