La’el Collins was expected to help lead a new-look offensive line in front of Joe Burrow when he joined with the Cincinnati Bengals. Collins, though, was no longer a fit for the club due to injuries and the contract deal Cincinnati just gave to Burrow.
The Bengals saved almost $6 million in cap space by dismissing him. While the budget space helped offset the money Cincy paid Burrow, head coach Zac Taylor is nonetheless saddened by Collins’ departure, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.
Collins was originally signed to a three-year, $21 million contract by the Bengals last summer. He made 15 starts for the team before suffering an ACL injury.
Collins has been unable to return to the field due to the severity of his injuries. While Collins has improved in practice, Cincinnati could no longer afford Collins’ large deal.
Despite the fact that it only lasted one season, Zac Taylor appears to have been impressed with what La’el Collins had to give. The offensive lineman, who is now a free agent, will do so with Taylor’s consent. It didn’t happen this year in Cincinnati, but Collins will seek for a team that will give him a chance to finish rehab and return to the NFL.
