The Washington Commanders already had a busy offseason even if the 2022 league year hasn’t officially started.
First, they traded for quarterback Carson Wentz and the Indianapolis Colts’ second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
In return, Washington gave away their 2022 second-rounder, 2022 third-rounder, and a 2023 conditional third-rounder that will become a second-rounder if Wentz plays 70 percent of the snaps.
However, that’s not the only move they’ve done lately, as NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports.
Sources: The Washington #Commanders are expected to release star defender Landon Collins after the two sides did not agree on a restructured contract. Collins will now hit free agency to cash in again.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2022
Rapoport said, “Sources: The Washington #Commanders are expected to release star defender Landon Collins after the two sides did not agree on a restructured contract. Collins will now hit free agency to cash in again.”
Collins has been one of their bright spots on defense since he inked a six-year, $84 million contract with Washington in 2019.
In his first season with the Commanders, the Alabama alum had a career-best 117 tackles, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a sack in 15 games played.
Last season, Collins finished with 81 tackles, three sacks, and two picks.
He is also a First-Team All-Pro member and a three-time Pro Bowler, all with the New York Giants.
The 2022 season would have been the fourth year in his contract that gave him an annual average value of $14 million.
Instead, the Commanders released him to save $6.6 million in cap space.
As of writing, Washington is $2.8 million under the $208.2 million salary cap for 2022.
Will Collins Return To Washington?
There’s a possibility that Collins might return to the Commanders but on a new deal with more cap-friendly terms.
However, it’s difficult to see that scenario playing out because Washington will look to re-sign other free agents.
Offensive guard Brandon Scherff might be at the top of their list, as well as wide receiver Cam Sims, tight end Ricky Seals-Jones, and running back J.D McKissic.
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