Don't expect to see All-Pro safety Landon Collins in a New York Giants uniform for a while.
The soon-to-be free agent cleared out his locker today (February 20) after reports surfaced that he and the team's front office were not close on a contract extension. The defensive back becomes a franchise tag candidate -- despite being publicly against the move.
A long stand-off is sure to ensue until the two parties can get a deal done but most reports point to Collins staying with the G-Men. If the team did not want to resign Collins, they would have traded the former second round pick before 2018's trade deadline.
While the almost $12 million Collins would earn under the tag is a huge improvement on his $1.27 million 2018 salary, the 25-year-old clearly sees more value in a long-term deal. The injury to fellow safety - and future Hall of Famer - Earl Thomas last season will only reinforce that message to Collins.
The timing of Collins' contract is not ideal. The usually game-changing defensive back had a down season in 2018, and would enter a highly-competitive safety market with former All Pros Thomas and Tyrann Mathieu expected to be available, as well Lamarcus Joyner.
Collins went on record earlier this off-season saying he hopoe to stay in New York. “My hope is to be here. Honestly,” said Collins, via NJ.com: “I was drafted here. I want to finish my career here. It’s a hope and a dream of mine. Hopefully, we make it a reality.”
Whether that happens looks like it will play out over a tedious few months.
COVER PHOTO: New York Post
Comments