Insider Believes Bengals Will Keep La'el Collins on Roster This Season, Despite Speculation About His Future

Collins will be 30-years-old on July 26.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Publish date:
Jul 13, 2023 8:39 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — There has been plenty of speculation about the Bengals' right tackle situation this offseason following the addition of star left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.

Jonah Williams appears to be the favorite for the job, but veteran La'el Collins and third-year lineman Jackson Carman are also in the mix.

Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic believes the Bengals could keep Collins on the roster, even if Williams starts at right tackle.

"I do think he's on the roster. I think he starts the year on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform List)," Dehner said on Cincinnati Bengals Talk. "It's expensive. You're talking about $22 million on the cap between Jonah and La'el Collins and you also have Carman ... What has kept them from winning a championship the last two years? Offensive line depth has bit them in January and February and kept them from two rings. Is $22 million between Jonah Williams and La'el Collins worth paying to win the ring? To put you over the top?"

Collins started 15 games for the Bengals at right tackle last season before suffering a torn ACL on Christmas Eve against the Patriots. He's made good progress and is in Cincinnati continuing his rehab, even though veterans don't have to report for training camp until July 25.

The Bengals have been without their starting right tackle in back-to-back postseasons due to injuries (Collins, Riley Reiff). Williams also missed their final two playoff games last year. Depth at tackle could go a long way for a team that's banking on Joe Burrow to lead them to a Super Bowl Championship.

"Collins could provide that [depth]," Dehner said. "He's a guy that's played. He's a guy that likes the big moment. He's got pride. You could count on him to come in there. They went on a 10-game win streak with him as a main guy at right tackle last year and he was playing pretty well by the end of it, even though he had his problems over the course of the year. Having that in your back pocket could prove massive for a team that has plans to play games 18, 19, 20, 21."

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