Dallas Cowboys extend La’el Collins’ contract, insures O-line dominance

The Dallas Cowboys insure that their offensive line remains dominate for the foreseeable future by signing La’el Collins to a two-year extension.

Despite the the Dallas Cowboys having some of the NFL’s biggest superstars on their roster, names like quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, wide receiver Dez Bryant and tight end Jason Witten, America’s Team is really known around the league for having one thing: football’s most dominate offensive line.

Possessing three perennial Pro Bowlers in left tackle Tyron Smith, right guard Zack Martin and center Travis Frederick, all of whom are just 26-years of age each, the Cowboys’ young and talented O-line strikes fear into opponent’s hearts before they even step on the field.

But this offseason, the Cowboys’ offensive line took two major hits. The first, the sudden retirement of starting right tackle Doug Free after ten seasons in Dallas. The second, the free agency exodus of left guard Ronald Leary, who signed a massive four-year, $36 million contract to join the Denver Broncos.

Both moves left gaping holes in this O-line that must be filled. Luckily for Dallas, third-year lineman La’el Collins has returned from a season-ending toe injury he suffered last season. The 23-year old will now make a move from left guard to starting right tackle to replace the retired Free. And many believe Collins is an upgrade at the position.

In fact, the Cowboys are so comfortable about Collins’ future on their offensive line, the team signed him a two-year extension on Tuesday. The new deal is reportedly worth $15.4 million, could potentially pay him up to $16 million and includes a $4 million signing bonus. The move makes Collins a Cowboy through the 2019 season.

Although questions still linger about the starting role at left guard, the Dallas Cowboys have solidified their offensive line for the foreseeable future with the extension of La’el Collins.

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The next lineman to get an extension will likely be Zack Martin, who had the fifth-year option of his rookie contract picked up by Dallas this offseason, making him a Cowboy through 2018. Dallas will likely want to sign Martin to an extension sometime during training camp in the next two months.