According to insider/analyst Jordan Schultz, the Denver Broncos are among the teams interested in trading Dallas Cowboys right tackle Lael Collins.
#Cowboys RT Lael Collins attracts a lot of interest: League sources say #Yags, #Broncos, #bengals as well as #dolphins was asked about the exchange for a talented 28-year-old guy.
Collins is known for his dominant pass blocking but has also become a super reliable pass blocker.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 12, 2022
Clearly, defending newly acquired All-Pro, Pro Bowl, and Super Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson should be high on Broncos general manager George Paton’s to-do list. The Broncos had a revolving door on the right tackle, and Wilson came from a Seattle team that had a porous offensive line that saw Wilson take a lot of unnecessary hits. So, I believe that Wilson and Paton have already discussed fixing the one big hole left in the Broncos’ offensive line. The addition of a player like Lael Collins will certainly solidify this position for at least the next few seasons.
On the field, Collins is one of the best right tackles in the NFL. However, staying on the field was a problem for him. He missed all of 2020 with an injury and was suspended for five games last season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He never tested positive, but missed several tests and reportedly tried to bribe a test collector. However, the problem seems to be gone.
Barring the 2020 season, when he missed the entire year short of a five-game suspension, Collins has just missed 1 game since 2017. So if the Broncos can keep him healthy, they’ll get a good game.
In terms of compensation, with his baggage and injury history, I think the Cowboys will get a third round for him. The Broncos currently have two picks in the third round, and they will likely pick a tackle with one of them anyway, so why not use it to get the right tackle?
A deal doesn’t seem imminent, and the report says the Broncos, among other teams, have just inquired about his availability and the Cowboys’ asking price. If the price is right, I don’t see why the Broncos shouldn’t make an offer for Collins. You made a splash with Russell Wilson, you need to protect him, and your opponents just made a big trade for Khalil Mak.
Go get a hairpin