The Dallas Cowboys are actively discussing a possible trade involving longtime starting offensive tackle La'el Collins, according to NFL Network' Ian Rapoport. There is reportedly interest from other teams in regard to Collins, who is due to make $10 million next season.
A former undrafted rookie out of LSU, the 28-year-old Collins has been a mainstay on the Cowboys' offensive line since 2015, his rookie season. He has made 71 starts while appearing in 74 regular-season games. Collins started his career at left guard before settling into his long-term spot at right tackle.
Collins made just 10 starts last season, a year after he missed the entire year with a hip injury. Collins missed just one start from 2017-19 after missing all but three games in 2016 with a foot injury. He was suspended four games last season after violating the league's substance abuse policy following a missed drug test.
Terence Steele would be a likely candidate to replace Collins in the starting lineup. Steele has made 27 starts over the last two years after going undrafted out of Texas Tech. Ty Nsekhe, who technically served as Collins' backup last season, is slated to enter free agency when the new league year begins on March 16.
Collins would join several notable tackles who will likely play elsewhere in 2022. Among the top offensive tackles who are slated to test the market next week include Nate Solder, Terron Armstead, Duane Brown, Eric Fisher, and Riley Reiff.
Along with Collins, the Cowboys are reportedly considering parting ways with Amari Cooper, a four-time Pro Bowl receiver who caught eight touchdown passes last season. Dallas is reportedly looking to re-sign fellow wideout Michael Gallup, who caught 15 touchdowns during his first four seasons with the franchise.