Could this be the end of him in the Big Apple?
Frustration grows on the face of Landon Collins as the 25-year-old comes off his fourth consecutive season, leading the New York Giants in total tackles from his safety spot.
He totaled 96 stops – six for loss – and had four pass breakups with one forced fumble on a franchise that finished 5-11 in 2018. Collins has been the backbone for the Giants’ defense throughout his young career, since being selected in the second round of 2015 NFL Draft.
RELATED: Former Tide WR Calvin Ridley winning on an off the field
He has recorded at least 100 tackles in three years (2015-17) and is a three-time Pro Bowl selection from 2016 to 2018; however, New York’s front office has yet to discuss a new deal with the former University of Alabama star.
Collins, who completed his rookie contract last year, could face being franchise tagged by March 5 — according to an article from NFL.com.
While he would make more than $12 million on the tag, Dolphins’ safety Reshad Jones would stand as the highest-paid safety for 2019 with a base of $13 million. Due to the potential of him getting tagged, NFL.com reports that Collins could sit out spring practice.
A tweet from Josina Anderson, an Emmy Award-winning journalist from ESPN, stated that Collins cleaned out his locker on Wednesday, said his goodbyes to teammates, coaches and trainers and it appears that he won’t be with the Giants much longer.
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
Conflicting information has come out since then, including one from Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, but the thought remains on Collins’ decision.
He was a first-team NFL All-Pro selection in 2016 and has 437 tackles, eight interceptions and 32 breakups in 59 games.
Collins was a unanimous All-American for the Crimson Tide in 2014 and finished his tenure with 188 tackles, five interceptions and 13 pass breakups.
He was part of a BCS national championship team in 2012 and led the team to a Southeastern Conference title in 2014.
Should it lose Collins, New York will be without its heart and soul on defense.
Free agency will be interesting in a few weeks.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
