5 Free Agent Signings the Eagles Should Make Following Trade Deadline
By Randy Gurzi
3. La'el Collins, Offensive Tackle/Guard
It's hard to argue that the Eagles don't have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, and Jordan Mailata are all excellent players. They also have Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens at guard, who don't get the same attention as the others, but are solid nonetheless.
Having said that, Jurgens has been on the IR since suffering an injury in Week 4. With him out, Sua Opeta has been the starter and hasn't been as good — which is no slight on him, just what happens when a team turns to a backup.
In addition to the injury to Jurgens, the Eagles have seen other linemen go down, including Johnson, who is normally always healthy. That scare should be enough for them to consider making a move for someone they could potentially start, and perhaps that would be La'el Collins.
Formerly of the Dallas Cowboys, Collins signed a free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022 and started 15 games for them. He then suffered a serious knee injury and was released this year.
Collins has since tried to show he's healthy and ready to help another team. He could end up being a risky addition due to the health concerns — and struggles he had in Cincy — but his upside is worth it.
With Dallas, Collins was a stud at left guard, especially when he had great players around him. With the Bengals, their line was a mess. Perhaps putting him on the same field as Kelce and the rest of the Eagles linemen could help him get back to form. It's also a bonus that he can play tackle or guard.