Seahawks To Trade For Former Cowboys $50 Million Starter

According to Seattle Seahawks reports, the team is actively pursuing an NFL postseason run and may need to consider adding offensive line support.

Before facing the 49ers in Week 14, Seattle had lost three straight games. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report is pushing the organization to sign offensive lineman La’el Collins, a seasoned veteran.

For the Bengals in 2022, the veteran most recently started 15 games. Collins hasn’t played in a game this season since Cincinnati waived him on September 12.

“The Seahawks’ offensive line has been banged up all year and has become a bigger issue lately as Geno Smith was sacked six times on Thanksgiving against the 49ers and the team placed Phil Haynes on injured reserve,” Holder detailed in a December 4, 2023 article titled, “NFL Team Needs: Prioritizing Every Roster’s Biggest Weaknesses Entering Week 14.” “After spending eleven weeks on injured reserve, Abraham Lucas is returning to the field, and Jason Peters hasn’t provided Seattle with the pass protection it was expecting for.

Collins can play guard to cover for Haynes even though Lucas is fully recovered. One of the Seahawks’ greatest choices to address this issue and salvage their dwindling playoff chances is the former Bengal and [Cowboy].

Potential Seattle Seahawks Target La’el Collins Was on a 5-year, $50 Million Deal With Dallas Cowboys Prior to 2022 Release

Collins’ six seasons with the Cowboys, during which he started 71 games, are what made him most famous. In March 2022, Dallas cut Collins, relieving the franchise from a $50 million, five-year contract. Collins was able to earn a three-year, $21 million contract with the Bengals as a result of this.

With 86 career starts, the veteran may provide the Seahawks a plenty of experience. Given that Collins had an ACL tear in December of last year, there are still concerns regarding his availability this season.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on September 25, “Former Bengals’ OT La’el Collins, who missed training camp on the active/PUP list while rehabbing from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament, passed his physical today with Dr. Neal ElAttrache.” “Collins anticipates finding employment soon.”

Seahawks Rumors: Could La’el Collins Be a Boost for Seattle?

For his performance in 2022, Collins received a 57.9 rating from Pro Football Focus. This is far worse than his 2021 grade of 82 with the Cowboys.

This season, 12s have not stopped debating who is to blame for the offensive troubles of the Seahawks. There is space for development in Geno Smith’s ability to hang onto the ball, call offensive plays, and shield himself from the offensive line. Collins has not yet signed a contract with a team this season, despite being connected to both of the New York teams.

“Free agent offensive tackle La’El Collins worked out for the Jets, according to the wire,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported in an X message dated October 10. “That would be a fascinating addition.”

The veteran’s continued availability means the Seahawks might sign Collins to a contract that benefits the franchise. Although it is unlikely that Collins will materially strengthen Seattle’s offensive line, it might make sense to consider him insurance for the team’s remaining games.

Seattle is expecting that having tackle Abe Lucas back in the lineup will increase output. If Collins could deliver a productivity akin to that of Jason Peters, the move would still be worthwhile investigating.