The Buffalo Bills have signed offensive lineman La’el Collins, adding interesting depth and possible competition to their trenches.
According to his representatives via ESPN, the free agent inks a one-year deal with the Bills:
Bills signed veteran OT La’El Collins to a 1-year deal, per his agent Peter Schaffer. pic.twitter.com/DXiq4fLtKc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 4, 2024
After going undrafted in 2015 due to off-field concerns, Collins immediately became a starter with the Dallas Cowboys as a UDFA. In six years in Dallas, Collins established himself as one of the NFL’s best offensive linemen at right tackle.
He signed a five-year, $50 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022 but has not played since tearing his ACL and MCL. Collins was out of football in 2023.
Pro Football Focus only graded Collins a 57.9 overall in 15 games with the Bengals prior to injury. However, in previously years with the Dallas Cowboys his marks include an 82.0 (2021), 86.4 (2019) and 72.5 (2018).
In December, Collins was in Buffalo and had a free-agent workout.
Collins has mostly played at right tackle in the NFL. His experience could put him into a competition with Spencer Brown for playing time or he could provide veteran depth.
In addition, it’s worth noting that Collins has played 897 career snaps at left guard and could factor into that discussion as well. Following Connor McGovern’s move to center, it was expected David Edwards was the front runner for playing time there.
Bills Wire will continue to update all roster transactions throughout the 2024 offseason.
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