According to a source, former Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Lael Collins is close to a three-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Cowboys will save $10 million on their salary cap after releasing Collins after June 1.
The offensive linemen Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, and Collins have joined the team during the free-agency signing period to help protect quarterback Joe Burrow.
Collins and his agents were given the ability to seek a trade by the Cowboys. According to sources, the New England Patriots had interest, just as they did in Cooper, but the contract of Collins was an issue.
Collins signed a five-year, $50 million contract extension in 2019. The $6.48 million in guarantees were voided because of a five-game suspension last year for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Collins missed 21 of 33 games over the past two seasons. He didn't play in 2020 because of hip surgery, but he did play in 12 games in 2022.
Collins was a potential first-round pick in the 2015 draft, but his name was connected to a murder investigation and he wasn't selected at all. Collins was signed by the Cowboys after dinner at Jerry Jones' house, where he was joined by coaches and soon-to-be teammates.
He missed 13 games in 2016 because of a toe injury, which required surgery. In the next 48 games, Collins started 47 of them at right tackle. His hip injury has hurt his productivity since he had his best season in 2019.
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