After spending most of the 2023 NFL season as a free agent recovering from a major injury, Buffalo Bills offensive lineman La’el Collins isn’t lowering his expectations for the upcoming season.
The veteran lineman shared his aspirations for 2024, emphasizing that he won’t be satisfied with a reserve role and is determined to contribute significantly to his team on the field.
“I came here to dominate,” Collins said, according to WGRZ reporter Jonathan Acosta.
La’el Collins Out to Prove Himself This Season
Collins faced an uncertain future in late 2022, even considering retirement after suffering a major knee injury. The veteran spent most of the 2023 season rehabbing and recovering, eventually signing with the Dallas Cowboys but remaining on the practice squad.
Collins told Acosta that he struggled mentally, acknowledging that “the tank was empty.” However, the 30-year-old now feels fully recovered and is ready to “dominate” for the Bills.
“They brought me here to play football, and I came here to dominate. I’m going to let everything else take care of itself,” Collins said. “I’ll show up every day and go to work, help the young guys, and do whatever they ask of me. I’m super grateful and just look forward to giving Bills Mafia everything I’ve got left in me. I’m ready to play. I’m ready to dominate.”
The Bills signed Collins in April, adding the veteran with 86 career starts to their roster. As reported by Chris Pirrone of SI.com’s Bills Central, the one-year deal is worth $1.58 million, including $1.21 million in guaranteed money, with potential bonuses up to $5 million.
“The incentives are set to protect both the Bills and Collins,” Pirrone wrote. “Should he overachieve and push into a starting role, Collins has the security of being paid like a starting lineman. But if his role remains as a backup, the Bills have added experienced depth and insurance to their offensive line.”
Veteran OL Called ‘Interesting’
In an early prediction of the final 53-man roster, USA Today writer Nick Wojton noted that it’s too early to set a depth chart but highlighted Collins’ versatility as a bonus.
“There is essentially no way to really give any analysis on linemen until the pads go on in training camp and the preseason. For now, we’re taking a shot in the dark,” Wojton wrote. “Collins is the most interesting addition to this group with his versatility to play both guard and tackle.”
Collins seems excited about the possibilities in Buffalo, pointing to last year’s win over the Cowboys where the Bills dominated on the ground. The Bills racked up 266 rushing yards in the 31-10 victory, effectively controlling the line of scrimmage.
Collins, who watched the game at home as a member of the practice squad, said it was an impressive performance.
“When you’re able to line up in the same formation and run the same play over and over again, and they know you’re running it against their will and they can’t stop it, that’s an offensive lineman’s dream,” Collins said. “That’s when you know you’re imposing your will. Just watching that and seeing what this group is about, seeing what this team is about… just that little piece hit home with me.”
Leave a Reply