The New York Giants have a big decision to make with Landon Collins set to become a free agent next month, and it does not seem like the star defensive back expects to reach a new agreement that will keep him with the team.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports that Collins cleaned out his locker at the Giants’ facility on Wednesday and said goodbye to teammates, coaches and staff members.
I’m told that Giants S Landon Collins cleaned out his locker today at the team facility and said his goodbyes to teammates, coaches and trainers. It doesn’t seem like Collins expects to be a Giant for much longer, per sources.
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 20, 2019
Collins is arguably the best safety in football, and he has led all defensive backs in tackles since the Giants drafted him in 2015. The former Alabama star has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons, so it goes without saying that losing him would be a huge blow to New York’s defense.
Of course, there is always the franchise tag. If the Giants can’t work out a long-term extension with Collins, they can use the tag on him and pay him around $11 million in 2019. Cleaning out his locker may have been a sign that Collins will not cooperate if the Giants use the tag on him.
The Giants shopped Collins at the trade deadline last season, and the All-Pro safety admitted he was very bothered by that.
