Another Ex-Cowboys Starter Available for Reunion Following Release

Most NFL teams are dealing with some kind of injury as the 2024 regular season looms, including the Dallas Cowboys. Several Cowboys are currently banged up at the moment, especially when it comes to the offensive line.

Standout rookie tackle Tyler Guyton hurt his knee at the end of training camp, although it wasn't a "big deal." Meanwhile, both Earl Bostick Jr. and Chuma Edoga will open the new schedule on the injured reserve.

In other words, it might be in Jerry Jones' best interest to explore potential backup options. Fortunately, the perfect solution to their injury woes became available following Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline.

Cowboys Should Reunite with OT La'el Collins

The Buffalo Bills cut several players ahead of the Aug. 27 deadline, including offensive tackle La'el Collins. The veteran blocker signed with the Bills back in April after spending the 2023 campaign with America's Team.

But even if things didn't work out for Collins in Buffalo, the Bills' loss could be the Cowboys' gain.

Collins, 31, has had two previous stints with America's Team, beginning when the Cowboys signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2015 draft. It didn't take long for him to become an important part of Dallas' frontline as he was immediately named a starter to begin his rookie campaign.

Collins went on to start in 71 of his 74 appearances in a Cowboys jersey. Even though he didn't receive much praise for his individual efforts, the Baton Rouge, LA native was still among the best players at his position at times, proven by his 86.4 and 82.0 offense grades from Pro Football Focus in 2019 and 2021, respectively.

After injuries and suspensions chased him out of town following the 2021 season, Collins signed a three-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in March 2022. But after starting in all 15 appearances during his Bengals debut season, Collins was released last September and didn't find a new team until he re-joined the Cowboys ahead of the playoffs.

Even though his last few seasons haven't gone as planned, it wouldn't hurt the Cowboys to take a swing at Collins. His best days might be behind him, but he's still a solid backup option who's already familiar with head coach Mike McCarthy. If the former LSU Tiger can somehow turn back the clock, Dallas' championship outlook will improve because of it.

For now, the Cowboys head into Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season tied for the ninth-best Super Bowl LIX odds (+1800) on FanDuel Sportsbook.

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