With both DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory suspended for the start of the 2016 season and Greg Hardy a persona non grata, the Dallas Cowboys badly need to upgrade their defensive line. The only question is what they’re willing to give up in order to get it.
According to a report by Ed Werder of ESPN on Thursday, NFL general managers have heard that the Cowboys may consider trading guard La’el Collins for a defensive end. However, Werder also notes that a Cowboys source was quick to refute the rumor.
#NFL GMs have heard rumor #Cowboys would consider trading OG La' El Collins for a DE. Asked Cowboys source who replied, "That's stupid.''
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) August 4, 2016
The 23-year-old Collins went undrafted out of LSU but was signed by Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He responded by busting out in his rookie season, winning the starting left guard job and bulldozing his way into Internet immortality with one-man flattening crew highlights such as this.
Though he is still a bit rough around the edges in pass protection, Collins is signed to an incredibly affordable deal (he will be making just $526,750 in 2016) and has the potential to become an elite offensive lineman as he develops further. The Cowboys would have to be desperate to even consider trading him. But unfortunately for them, the sorry state of their defensive line could ultimately force their hand in that direction.
H/T Rotoworld
