Did Landon Collins shade Commanders after signing with NY Giants?

The Washington Commanders deliberated bringing back Landon Collins for another season. The only problem? The two sides couldn’t agree to a restructured contract. Basically, Collins was unwilling to take a substantial paycut. His cap hit was simply too high for a player that struggled with consistency and injuries.

It would’ve helped if the Commanders didn’t pursue a quarterback with a $28 million cap hit, but Wentz was near the top of their wishlist.

After the messy breakup, it was never expected that Collins would return to Washington. Sure, the linebackers could be playing better and there was some noise that indicated both sides were interested in a reunion, but Kam Curl and Darrick Forrest have fans excited for what the future holds at safety.

While there won’t be a reunion in Ashburn, there will be one in East Rutherford … or across the pond for Week 5. On Thursday, Collins signed with the Giants, where he was drafted No. 33 overall and spent his first four seasons.

After the move, Collins sent a text to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson conveying his excitement over returning to the Giants. The wording of the message, however, feels like a slight dig at the Commanders. You be the judge.

Did Landon Collins shade the Commanders in his statement after returning to the Giants?

Hmm. That’s interesting. Does Collins regret leaving New York to begin with? Does he regret signing with the Commanders as a free agent? Maybe it’s a little of both, but this message won’t help the player’s standing amongst Washington fans, that’s for sure.

Moreover, what does Collins have to regret about his time in the nation’s capital. For starters, he signed a six-year, $84 million contract. The deal made Collins the league’s highest-paid safety. He could’ve signed anywhere else. Is is Washington’s fault he only managed to play out half of the contract?

The Commanders only got the Pro Bowl version of Collins in glimpses. He was a liability in coverage, but was a heat-seeking missile when lined up near the line of scrimmage either defending the run or rushing the passer.

That’s enough speculation, though. Maybe Collins’ statement has everything to do with returning to East Rutherford and nothing to do with Washington. But you can understand why any fan would take offense to his three-worded message.

At the end of the day, Collins conducted himself like a pro during his time in Washington and we wish him nothing but the best. The veteran flew to London to be with the Giants before Sunday’s game against the Packers.

It’s unclear when Collins’ (second) Giants debut will be, but he now has a good chance of facing the Commanders twice this season, as Washington and New York will meet twice in a three-week span in Weeks 13 and 15. Have to think Collins will be playing with a chip on his shoulder in those meetings if he’s still on the team.