The Buffalo Bills added valuable depth to their offensive line on Thursday, agreeing to a one-year contract with La’el Collins.
Collins, 30, worked out for the Bills late in the regular season but eventually joined the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad. Collins, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, will have the opportunity to restart his career with the Bills.
Here’s everything fans should know about the team’s newest addition.
Collins explored joining the Bills as a UDFA in 2015 after working out for them in late December of the previous season. Rex Ryan, then the head coach, traveled to Baton Rouge to persuade Collins to join the Buffalo Bills’ squad, but he ultimately chose to sign a three-year, $1.7 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, which was fully guaranteed.
It took some time, but Buffalo was eventually able to acquire Collins.
Choose Buffalo over another suitor.
The Bills faced competition for La’el Collins. According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Collins had at least one other suitor before selecting Buffalo. Schultz stated that Collins selected Buffalo in the hopes of winning the Super Bowl.
Collins offers extensive experience to Buffalo. Collins has played 89 games for the Dallas Cowboys and the Cincinnati Bengals, starting 86 of them.
Versatility
Collins has played both left guard and right tackle throughout his career. He will most likely be given the opportunity to compete for the left guard position against David Edwards. His versatility to play different positions on the line boosts his chances of making the final roster.
Injuries have been an issue lately.
Collins did not participate last season because he was recovering from an injury. The lineman was discharged from the Bengals’ reserve/PUP list in September 2023 after suffering a ruptured left ACL and MCL injury against the New England Patriots in Week 16 of 2022.
Collins also missed the 2020 season due to a neck stinger from a car accident and groin issues. Despite the injuries, the linemen started 25 games.
