3 potential landing spots for Landon Collins after Commanders release
By Jerry Trotta
After trading for Carson Wentz, the Washington Commanders are forced into performing financial gymnastics.
It comes with the territory of trading for a veteran starter with years of experience under his belt, but it now puts Washington in a bind on the cap front, as they went from boasting $33 million in cap space to just $5 million.
As expected, the accounting process got underway on Thursday, as reports indicate Washington is expected to release Landon Collins after negotiations about a potential restructure fell through. The team held out hope Collins would take a pay cut after switching positions, but he understandably declined.
As a result, the Commanders pulled the plug and salvaged $6.9 million in cap space in the process. It’s an expected move, but the front office will be hard-pressed to replace the versatility Collins offered as a hybrid linebacker.
Luckily for Collins, there’s no shortage of teams in the market for a player with his skillet. It’s unclear what kind of contract he’s looking for, but the following teams qualify as potential destinations for the newly-minted free agent.
3 landing spots for Landon Collins after Commanders release
3. New England Patriots
We never thought we’d say this, but the Bill Belichick-led Patriots have bigger needs on defense than offense. Yes, they’re still searching for a No. 1 receiver, but with JC Jackson, Dont’a Hightower, Devin McCourty and Jamie Collins all set to hit free agency, Belichick and Co. have serious work to do this offseason.
Where does Collins come in? Well, the Pats’ linebacker outlook for 2022 is a certified wasteland. As we just alluded to, Hightower and Collins are both out of a contract. As is the underrated Ja’Whaun Bentley, who started 29 games and played 71 percent of the snaps as an inside linebacker over the last two seasons.
Additionally, the Patriots just released Kyle Van Noy, who did a little bit of everything as an off-ball linebacker in 2021, recording 66 tackles, five sacks, 10 passes defended, seven quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and an interception.
If there’s a defensive mind in the NFL who can figure out how to maximize Collins’ potential, which is a legitimate playmaker on an elite defense, it’s Belichick. However, the Patriots currently have just $13.4 million in cap space and Collins’ demands could throw a wrench into potential negotiations.
Having just turned 28 in January, though, Collins should consider signing a one- or two-year contract on the cheaper side. If he exceeds expectations, he’ll have the chance to sign one last lucrative deal as an NFL player.