Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer weren’t kidding when they said addressing the offensive line would be the highest of priorities this offseason. And an apparent push for La’el Collins is just the latest proof of that.
Although the former Dallas Cowboy did wind up with the reigning AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals, the Panthers were reportedly “in the thick of it” for the 28-year-old tackle, according to ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler.
#Patriots made a competitive offer for La’el Collins and the Panthers were in the thick of it, too, I’m told. But he’s headed to Cincinnati, per @AdamSchefter. Bengals had inside track and held onto it.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 20, 2022
The 6-foot-4, 318-pounder was released by Dallas, where he played each of his seven pro campaigns, this past Thursday. Being that his release meant he wouldn’t potentially count against the compensation pick formula for 2023 and that, well, he’s pretty darn good—Collins would have been a nice grab for the Panthers and their revamped front.
But although it wasn’t meant to be, Rhule and Fitterer have done rather well to this point in keeping to their promise. The offense will be welcoming in two quality hog mollies in guard Austin Corbett and center Bradley Bozeman—both of whom are projected starters and considerable upgrades for 2022.
Carolina, however, still may not be done—as the next wave of free agency and a linemen-rich draft still awaits.
