The New York Giants informed Landon Collins on Tuesday that they will not be using the franchise tag on him, and that apparently has nothing to do with their desire to instead work out a long-term extension with the All-Pro safety.
Collins took to Twitter to thank the Giants for four great seasons but said he is “on to the next chapter.”
I want to thank the Giants organization for believing in me and allowing me to have 4 great years in NY. I can’t express how great it was to play with my teammates and in one of the greatest cities in the world. I will forever cherish my time in the blue and white and the
— LANDON COLLINS (@TheHumble_21) March 5, 2019
relationships I have built in the building and in my community. Now on to the next chapter…. pic.twitter.com/nc9rhcqLKm
— LANDON COLLINS (@TheHumble_21) March 5, 2019
It initially seemed like Collins was trying to pressure the Giants into not tagging him, but they simply felt the $11.15 million tag number for safeties was too high. Considering Collins has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past three seasons and is one of the best safeties in football, that decision has not been popular with fans in New York.
Collins hinted earlier in the offseason that he would not be back with the Giants, so he must have known this was coming. He will be one of the top defensive players available if and when he hits free agency.
