Cowboys sign former LSU OT La'el Collins
The Dallas Cowboys have signed former LSU offensive tackle La'el Collins, the team announced Thursday.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Charean Williams first reported the signing. ESPN's Adam Schefterreports that the contract is for three years, fully guaranteed and worth $1.65 million.
Collins, a projected first-round NFL draft pick, was not selected in last weekend's draft as police investigated the murder of his ex-girlfriend Brittany Mills. Collins has not been considered a suspect in the case, but police wanted to speak with him about the murder.
News that police wanted to speak to Collins first broke last Wednesday, the day before the first round of the draft. Collins's agent then attempted to pull his client from the draft and have him entered into this summer's supplemental draft. Collins, who had been in Chicago for the draft, returned to Louisiana to speak with police.
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After returning to Louisiana, Collins reportedly decided that if he were drafted in the fourth round or later he would not sign with the team and planned to re-enter the 2016 draft. Players who are drafted and do not sign can enter a subsequent draft, but Collins became a free-agent after he went undrafted.
Collins met with Baton Rouge, La., police on Monday, and police said he was fully cooperative with investigators. He also reportedly met with Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan on Monday.
The former Tigers OT was a three-year starter at LSU and was a first-team All-SEC and second-team AP All-America selection in 2014.
- Molly Geary
