While free agency has yet to start for the NFL, the trade market has been interesting the last few days. Longtime Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz will be sent to new teams when the new league year starts, as will Chicago edge rusher Khalil Mack on the defensive side. Others like receiver Amari Cooper could soon endure the same fate as well, too, and he may not be alone as new trade candidates could pop up as free agency gets closer.
With the Jacksonville Jaguars finishing 2021 with the league’s worst record, they should also be open to getting in on the trade acquisition process this offseason. They especially could use some help offensively, as their offensive line needs to be upgraded around Trevor Lawrence and skill weapons are needed, too.
For those hoping for potential help with the former issue, it appears there may be a name to be mindful of in the coming weeks. That player is Dallas Cowboys tackle La’el Collins, who NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says is being discussed in trade conversations. This news comes as the Cowboys need to free up cap space to retain some of their pending free agents like receiver Michael Gallup and tight end Dalton Schultz.
The #Cowboys are having active trade conversations centered around starting OT La'el Collins, sources say. A mainstay since 2015, Collins is due $10M this coming year and there is interest from other teams.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2022
While the asking price isn’t known, Collins is a better right tackle than what the Jags currently have at the position in Jawaan Taylor. While he did miss four games due to a missed drug test last season, he was a key contributor for the team on the field, finishing with an 80.2 grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Then in 2019 (missed 2020 with a hip injury), he accumulated a career-high grade of 86.4.
At 28 years of age, Collins should have several good years left in the tank and his $10 million salary is one the Jags can afford. However, as is the case with many trade acquisitions, his availability is a little concerning (at least in his last few seasons). His penalty count in 2021 (10) is something to be mindful of, too, as it’s a reason many think the Jags should move on from Taylor.
If the Jags are one of the teams involved in trade talks with Dallas, they certainly have the assets to get it done aside from taking on Collins’ salary. They lead the 2022 draft order, but at the same time, that could complicate things because they are in position to get some very good players at the top of the draft.
That said, we’d like to hear from you all on this particular trade. Is this one the Jags should be involved in? Would you prefer the Jags to tough it out with Taylor? Or are there other options who would be better whether it’s through free agency or the draft? Let us know in the poll below.
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