Could the Dallas Cowboys musical chair game have a lasting impact?

I am operating under the notion that you have heard the news that Dallas Cowboys’ right tackle has been suspended for five games. Not great news especially if you ever hope to see the starting unit, you know, play a game together.

I’m sure we will all hear what really happened with La’el Collins but in the meantime, the Cowboys have a little bit of extra time to evaluate what the next move should be. I would not hesitate to do anything I could to protect franchise quarterback Dak Prescott.

After the solid performance of backup guard Connor McGovern against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Cowboys almost have to kick out All-Pro guard Zack Martin to right tackle until the Collins situation is resolved or the suspension has been served.

The Dallas Cowboys are playing musical chairs on their offensive line

Martin played extremely well last season while filling in at right tackle and there should be zero reasons why it should not be him at that spot moving forward. This next five-game stretch could allow the Cowboys front office to evaluate another option moving forward.

Collins didn’t get off to a great start with the current regime last season. Rumors about his conditioning could have been a reason he was hurt last season. After showing up to camp this offseason in what appeared to be great shape, Collins suffered from neck stingers before this latest suspension.  Collins always wearing a mask around teammates could also lead us to a conclusion that Collins is one of the last remaining unvaccinated players on the team.

Hippa rules are there to protect everyone and their medical rights but if I was a betting man, I would have to consider La’el Collins. If Martin on the right side gives this offensive line continuity and maybe even a little push upfront, could the Cowboys move on from La’el Collins?

There are some out there asking if Mike McCarthy is on the hot seat yet Collins has only played one game for him. That’s 21 of 22 missed games for Collins in the Mike McCarthy era if his suspension stands.

Moving on from Collins after the season as a post-June first trade is the only scenario that appeals to me. The Cowboys would eat about $5.2 million in dead money but it would net the team about $10 million in cap space.

I’m sure the Cowboys would have plenty of offensive line needy teams trying to make a deal. After the season, Collins will have three years remaining with an average salary cap hit of around  $14.65 million.

Having the Connors start at guard and keep Zack Martin at right tackle at much lower price tags moving forward certainly feels to me like something vice president Stephen Jones would do. Especially if they play well these next five games and assuming Zack Martin plays tackle.

I am more than willing to keep Collins at that price tag. That is especially true when you see the giant contracts being thrown around the league these days. My only concern is how much slack is this new coaching staff willing to give Collins?