The Chicago Bears could end up with this excellent offensive lineman

Today is the day NFL free agency officially begins, with the legal tampering period kicking us off. The Chicago Bears aren’t expected to make any huge splashes during the first wave, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be surprised.

Beyond any free agent options, the Bears also have some key trade possibilities. Last week, general manager Ryan Poles got the Bears started in that realm by trading star pass rusher Khalil Mack.

But, now, they could end up trading for another player if they so choose. Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La’el Collins has reportedly been given permission to seek out a trade, and if there is no deal in place, then the team will release him.

Whether it’s via trade, or signing him after he’s released, Collins should be a Bear. There are already two teams interested according to the latest rumor, but no word on which teams those are.

Ryan Poles should do what’s necessary to bring La’el Collins to the Chicago Bears.

The Cowboys are apparently souring on Collins and wish he would “take his job more seriously,” whatever that means.

Regardless of the Cowboys’ relationship with Collins, the reality is, he’s an excellent offensive tackle. Last year, he earned an 82.0 grade from Pro Football Focus and only gave up two sacks on 671 snaps played.

Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline recently wrote that he’s been told the Cowboys “would accept anything in return for Collins, even a late-round pick.”

If that’s the case, then Poles should be on the phone right now. Adding Collins to the opposite side of the line as Teven Jenkins would give this team two great anchors for a few years, as Collins is still only 28 years old.

Larry Borom would then be a fantastic backup who could potentially take over for Collins down the line.

Cutting Collins now would only save the Cowboys a little over $1 million against their cap, but if they designated him as a post-June 1 cut, that number would grow to over $5 million. Still, it’s not a ton of savings for a guy who has been as consistent as Collins has been over his career.

Aside from missing a handful of games last year and all of 2020 with a hip injury, Collins has been pretty dependable. That’s potentially the only worry, here. Is Collins healthy? If he is, then he’s well-worth a late-round pick, rather than just waiting until he’s cut.