Offensive line has suddenly become one of the positions of greatest need for the New England Patriots. And now it appears one of the largest solutions available is not a part of their plans.
According to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, the Patriots are not expected to pursue soon-to-be free agent La’el Collins of the Dallas Cowboys. This after multiple reports surfaced this week saying the Patriots were interested in and potentially “frontrunners” for Collins’ services once he was released from the Cowboys. Now, according to Callahan, “it’s a money problem.” An all-too-familiar storyline this free agency.
Collins, a dominant tackle with a hefty price tag (hence his release from Dallas) would have made an ideal fit in Foxboro with a Patriots team suddenly facing a potentially significant rebuild of their line following a season where it was a team strength. And fans won’t likely be too happy to read this following the free agency loss of guard Ted Karras to Cincinnati and the surprising trade of guard Shaq Mason to Tampa Bay. Plus tackle Trent Brown is taking free agency visits and could be lost as well. That would leave only center David Andrews and tackle Isaiah Wynn as starters from last season. Plus Mike Onwenu, James Ferentz and a few reserves. Not exactly ideal, especially for an offense built on a power running game.
