La’el Collins Cleared As Suspect

La’el Collins met with police investigators this past Monday. He also took a paternity test that came back negative as the father of the unborn child who died over the weekend. Now a local Louisiana t.v. station is saying that Collins has been cleared of any involvement in the murder of 29 year old Brittany Mills and the child.

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As sad as the double homicide is, the timing couldn’t have been worse for Collins who went from a first round projected draft pick to an un-drafted lineman costing him an initial contract in the millions. If there was a silver lining to the mess it’s that Collins is now allowed to sign with whatever team he wants.

The Dolphins sent a four player envoy to meet with Collins that included former teammates Kelvin Sheppard, Jarvis Landry, Anthony Collins, and pro-bowl starting center Mike Pouncey. The Dolphins are hoping to lure Collins to Miami where he would immediately be penciled into start at left guard. The problem? It’s rumored he wants to sign with a team that will play him at left tackle.

The desire to play left tackle makes a lot of sense for Collins who will make more money as a tackle but in Miami he would start immediately at guard and possibly at left tackle should Brandon Albert not be healthy enough to start the season. In addition Collins would be in line to take over the LT position after Albert’s contract is up.

Collins has already met with Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan over dinner and will meet with the Cowboys as well in Dallas. League rules prohibit teams from meeting with players at their school or at their home until the players school has finished their finals. LSU finishes theirs this week.

In addition to Miami, Dallas, and Buffalo, the San Diego Chargers and New York Giants have also expressed interest. The decision by Collins will come down to playing time. Under the current CBA, teams are only allowed to offer a specified amount in both contract and signing bonus for undrafted free agents and since Collins wasn’t drafted he is not eligible to re-enter the 2016 NFL Draft. Meaning his only chance to get into the NFL is to sign an undrafted rookie contract.

While the signing bonus and base salary will be low, the NFL pays out bonus money to players who plays over the value of their contract. In this scenario Collins would be far better suited to play for a team that can offer him the most chance to play. Miami is one of those teams. In addition Florida has no state income tax so while the contract Collins eventually signs may be low, it won’t be taxed as heavily. Texas is also a no-state tax state.

The good news for now is that he is no longer a suspect if the reports are true but that does not mean Collins will accept a deal soon. His best play for himself is to see who can offer him the best opportunity. That very well may be the Miami Dolphins but it’s too soon to celebrate anything until Collins makes his decision.