La’El Collins (Prematurely) Starts The Process of Visiting Teams
After going undrafted this past weekend, LSU offensive tackle La’el Collins is free (once officially cleared) to sign a three-year contract as an undrafted free agent with any NFL team.
On Monday, Collins met with Baton Rouge police as part of the investigation into the murder of Brittany Mills. Collins is not a suspect in the case. Mills, 29, was pregnant at the time of her death and had a past relationship with Collins. While Collins continues to work on clearing his name in the Louisiana investigation, he has now started visiting NFL teams still interested in him.
The Advocate first reported the news, that Collins had an impromptu dinner meeting with Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports that the Cowboys and Dolphins are also among teams showing early interest.
The Minnesota Vikings could also be one of several teams in the mix for Collins. The Vikings, Panthers, Ravens, Eagles, Colts, Bucs, Cardinals, Rams, and Lions have all been rumored as potential landing spots for the talented offensive tackle.
Collins’ salary will be capped, so his descision will largely be based on scheme, role and fit.
Update: Collins’s agent Deryk Gilmore told the Associated Press that he’s not taking any meetings with teams “at this time.”
Collins has withdrawn from LSU. NFL rules prohibit teams from visiting a player (who has withdrawn) on his campus or at his residence until after final exams are complete.