La'el Collins #71 of the Buffalo Bills
The Washington Commanders are on a surprising playoff push in 2024, sitting at 8-5 with a chance to make their first postseason appearance since 2020. But as the team gears up for a stretch run that includes key matchups like their Week 15 clash against the New Orleans Saints, their most significant challenge might be their offensive line.
With rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showing promising development in his first season, Washington has managed to stay afloat despite a patchwork offensive line. The left tackle position has been a rotating door with rookie Brandon Coleman and veteran Cornelius Lucas, while the right side has been similarly banged up. Right tackle Andrew Wylie, a key component of the line, missed Week 13 with a concussion, and his status for the rest of the season remains uncertain.
For a team that’s within striking distance of a playoff spot, the uncertainty on the offensive line could be a major roadblock to their postseason aspirations. That’s why Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder suggests that the Commanders should consider signing free agent offensive tackle La’el Collins.
A Potential Addition to Strengthen the Line
Collins is a name that commands attention, not only because of his impressive resume but also due to the depth he could bring to Washington’s offensive line. Wylie’s injury and his struggles this season underscore the need for a reliable backup, especially with the postseason in sight. Collins, who has experience playing both tackle and interior positions, could offer a versatile solution for a team that may need extra protection for Daniels down the stretch.
“Andrew Wylie missed Week 13 with an injury and hasn’t been great this season,” Holder wrote. “So, Washington might want to look into signing another right tackle ahead of the playoffs in case of an emergency. Plus, Collins has experience playing on the interior too. It couldn’t hurt to at least bring him in for a workout and see what he has left.”
While Collins hasn’t seen regular season action since 2022, where he started 15 games for the Cincinnati Bengals, a workout could quickly reveal if the former LSU standout still has enough left in the tank to contribute at a high level. Given his history and the Commanders’ current needs, Collins might be a low-risk, high-reward addition to a team poised to make a playoff run.
La’el Collins’ Career and Comeback Attempts
Heading into the 2015 NFL Draft, La’el Collins was considered one of the top prospects, projected as a first-round pick. However, his draft stock plummeted in the days leading up to the event after he was questioned in connection with the tragic murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Brittany Mills, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing and proven not to be the father of the unborn child, Collins went undrafted. He was later signed by the Dallas Cowboys, where he began his NFL career.
Collins’ time with the Cowboys was marked by consistent starting roles. He started 11 games as a rookie and then 32 consecutive games over the next two seasons. The Cowboys rewarded him with a five-year, $50 million extension before the 2019 season, solidifying him as a key part of their offensive line.
However, Collins’ career took a turn in 2020, as he missed the entire season due to injuries, and in 2021, he was suspended for five games due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. That led to a release from the Cowboys, but Collins was given a second chance by the Cincinnati Bengals.
A New Chapter in Cincinnati
In 2022, Collins signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Bengals. He started 15 games for the team, providing solid protection for quarterback Joe Burrow. However, just as Collins seemed to be getting back on track, disaster struck. In Week 16 against the New England Patriots, Collins suffered a torn ACL and MCL, ending his season prematurely.
After recovering from his knee injury, Collins was released by the Bengals in September 2023. He sat out the entire 2023 season to focus on his rehab and was eventually signed by the Buffalo Bills in April 2024. However, Collins was waived by Buffalo in August, just before the start of the regular season.
Is Collins the Right Fit for Washington?
Despite the injury setbacks and a less-than-ideal exit from Buffalo, Collins’ experience and pedigree make him an intriguing option for the Washington Commanders. With nearly 10 years in the NFL, Collins has the kind of experience that can be invaluable, especially for a team in the playoff hunt. His ability to play both tackle spots and even on the interior could provide Washington with the flexibility it desperately needs.
Collins, who has earned nearly $50 million over his career, is likely looking for one more shot at proving he can still perform at a high level. A team like the Commanders, in need of offensive line depth and playoff experience, could offer him that opportunity. Whether he still has the physical tools to perform at a top-tier level remains to be seen, but bringing him in for a workout would be a worthwhile gamble for Washington.
As the Commanders head into the final stretch of the season, shoring up their offensive line depth could be the key to keeping Daniels upright and maintaining their playoff push. With a veteran like La’el Collins available, Washington might just find the reinforcement they need to make a deep postseason run.
