The Washington Football Team made a splash in free agency in 2019 when they signed safety, Landon Collins. They had seen Collins up close and personal as he spent the first four years of his career with their NFC East rival New York Giants.
Washington signed Collins away from the Giants with a six-year, $84 million. He was named to the Pro Bowl three times with the Giants and was named an All-Pro once in 2016. He was solid for Washington in 2019, but was struggling in 2020 and then tore his Achilles.
He is back now, but Washington has a conundrum on their hands. They received excellent contributions from Kamren Curl, who played better and is much cheaper than Collins. Washington can gain about $12 million in cap space trading Collins away as well.
His contract will be difficult to move, but Washington should shop him and see if there is any interest in the former Alabama product. Here are three teams that should pursue a trade for Landon Collins.
3. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys defense was one of the worst in franchise history in 2020. They couldn’t stop anyone through the air and didn’t make any big improvements this offseason to change that.
They will be relying on young players once again, which could be a recipe for disaster. Getting a veteran to help lead the secondary could help get the defense on track. Safety isn’t as reliant on young players as cornerback in Dallas right now, but Collins would upgrade the unit if he is healthy.
2. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are never afraid to make a big trade. They are aggressive on the trade market even if the cost is steep in terms of draft capital or a new contract. Landon Collins has an expensive deal, but that shouldn’t deter them from looking into acquiring him.
Los Angeles lost Troy Hill and John Johnson III this offseason, so they could use an upgrade at the back end of their secondary. Taking on Collins would be a risk, but if he is healthy, he has shown that he can be a difference-maker.
The Rams’ weakest spots on the roster are safety and off-ball linebacker. Collins could theoretically help in both spots.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a make-or-break season. Is Derek Carr the long-term starter at quarterback? How secure is Jon Gruden’s job? Coming off of an 8-8 season and heading into the fourth of Gruden’s newest tenure, the Raiders need to make a push for the playoffs.
The thing keeping them from doing that is their defense. Las Vegas needs to improve on that side of the ball. They upgraded the pass rush with the addition of Yannick Ngokue, but the secondary could use some help.
Jonathan Abram was the worst graded safety in 2020 and they are relying on rookie Trevon Moehrig alongside him. A veteran like Landon Collins could help shore things up and give them a player with some versatility given his excellent play against the run.
