Redskins potential free agent target Landon Collins unlikely to be tagged
By Ian Cummings
The Redskins have just enough money to make a move that counts in free agency this offseason.
The golden question, of course, is what that move could end up being. The Washington Redskins could re-sign Preston Smith, and keep their blockbuster deal in-house. Or they could broaden their horizons, and scan the free agent market for key contributors at positions of need; players who might be able to provide more relative value.
One player who has consistently been listed as a potential Redskins target, in this sense, is New York Giants safety Landon Collins. Collins, 25, was due for a new contract from the Giants this offseason, but due to stagnant negotiations, it was assumed that the franchise tag could be in play.
Now, however, it appears as if the use of the franchise tag by New York may not even be realistic. According to a recent report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Giants are unlikely to tag their former All-Pro safety. If the report holds truth value through the tag deadline, Collins will enter unrestricted free agency at the start of the new league year, and he’ll be free to negotiate with teams across the league.
The #Giants are viewed as unlikely to franchise tag safety Landon Collins, sources tell @KimJonesSports and me. They love the player but view the tag number as too high. If this holds, he’s expected to be free.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2019
Uniting Collins with the Redskins in a theoretical situation makes a good amount of sense. Collins is a young, first-round caliber safety with a good skill set in the box and the athletic ability to improve in coverage. He’s 25 years old, with time to grow, and he’d fill a major need for the Redskins, at potentially a lesser cost than it would take to re-sign Preston Smith. Collins also went to college at Alabama. That’ll only help his resume.
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Ultimately, with two starting slots up for grabs this offseason, the Redskins need to address the safety position, and Collins, who idolizes Redskins great Sean Taylor, could have the Redskins on his list of favorite destinations, if he ultimately hits the open market. It’s a union that could bring mutual interest. But for now, it’s only something to watch, and wait for patiently.