The Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free agent offensive tackle La'el Collins, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz provided more details:
Jordan Schultz @Schultz_ReportSource: It's a one-year deal worth up to $6.25M for La'el Collins and the <a href="">#Bills</a>. <br><br>Collins had at least one more suitor, but chose Buffalo with the hopes of winning a Super Bowl. <a href="">
The 30-year-old Collins has played 89 games (86 starts) for the Dallas Cowboys (2015-2019, 2021) and Cincinnati Bengals (2022).
He notably served as the Cowboys' right tackle from 2017-2019 and again in 2021, when he was suspended five games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Collins missed all of 2020 with a hip injury that required surgery.
Collins signed a three-year contract with the Bengals in 2022 and became their starting right tackle. Unfortunately, the ex-LSU star suffered a torn ACL, MCL and PCL in his left knee on Dec. 24, 2022 during a 22-18 win over the New England Patriots.
The Bengals placed him on the reserve/physically unable to perform list on Aug. 29, 2023 before releasing him on Sept. 12.
The 6'4", 320-pound Collins adds quality depth in Buffalo. He can conceivably work as a backup tackle behind starters Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown or perhaps get some snaps at left guard too, where David Edwards works as the starter.
The biggest question is whether he's able to return to form after a devastating knee injury that's now cost him over a year away from the field. But if he's healthy and ready to go, this looks like a good signing on paper for the Bills.
Ultimately, Buffalo is wise to keep investing in the offensive line in front of franchise quarterback Josh Allen, who has guided the team to four straight AFC East titles.
