La’el Collins is officially rejoining the Dallas Cowboys after a workout that impressed both coaches and teammates. Before his tryout, Collins made a memorable promise to Dak Prescott’s children that he would “protect your daddy,” a statement that underscored his bond with the team. Prescott himself was enthusiastic about the reunion, expressing hope that Collins would “kill” the workout and secure a spot back on the roster.
The Cowboys confirmed the signing after Collins’ Friday workout, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. This move comes at a critical juncture for Dallas, which is dealing with a depleted offensive line. In just one week, the team lost Tyler Guyton, Rob Jones, Matt Waletzko, and Hakeem Adeniji to injuries, and left guard Tyler Smith left Thursday’s practice with knee soreness, further compounding their issues.
La’el Collins (NFL)Veteran Lineman Returns With Experience, Versatility, And Strong Ties To Cowboys Organization
Collins is no stranger to the Cowboys organization. He spent seven seasons with the team after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2015, later continuing his career with the Bengals in 2022. Although he hasn’t played in a regular-season game since then, he briefly returned to the Cowboys’ practice squad in 2023 and participated in the Buffalo Bills’ training camp earlier in 2024.
With 89 games and 86 starts under his belt, Collins brings valuable experience and positional flexibility, having played both guard and tackle throughout his career. His familiarity with the Cowboys’ system and leadership qualities make him an ideal short-term solution as the team battles through a wave of injuries on the offensive line.
