FRISCO, Texas – After a trade was not successfully made, the Cowboys released right tackle La’el Collins on Thursday, designating him a post-June 1 cut, saving up to $10 million on the salary cap.
The allocated money will not be available to Dallas until June but allows Collins to sign with another team during the free agency-craze. He will count $8.7 million against the 2023 salary cap. The departure of Collins means the Cowboys will move Terence Steele into the starting role at right tackle.
Collins originally signed with the Cowboys in 2015 as an undrafted free agent after events pushed him from a potential first-round selection to not having his name called. He began his career at left guard, but a toe injury sidelined him for 13 games in 2016. In 2107, he moved to right tackle after Doug Free retired.
After producing his best season in 2019, the Cowboys signed Collins to a five-year, $50 million contract extension. He helped anchor a line that was deemed one of the best in football, but injuries and suspensions hindered his career. Collins missed the entire 2020 season due to a hip injury that required surgery and then served a five-game suspension last year for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, reportedly missing several drug tests. The suspension voided $6.48 million in guarantees.
His appeal in federal court was denied and Steele took over at right tackle in six starts, earning the coaches trust. Collins reclaimed his spot in the lineup and started the final seven games, including the wild-card loss to the 49ers, but the staff has confidence in Steele’s development. With left guard Connor Williams signing a deal with the Dolphins, the Cowboys’ offensive line is in a rebuild phase. Dallas has Connor McGovern as an option at guard, but the team could look to the draft in the early rounds for a guard or center to bolster the unit.
