'Let's Go Win This Thing!' Is Cowboys Signing La'el Collins A 'Super Bowl Move'?
The band is getting back together.
The Dallas Cowboys signed offensive lineman La’el Collins to their practice squad on Thursday in an attempt to bolster their depth in the trenches before a playoff run. Collins, a former Cowboy, spent the first six years of his career in Dallas before departing for the Cincinnati Bengals.
He’s back in silver and blue - with a mindset that this might be a "Super Bowl move'' - and few are happier than Cowboys right guard Zack Martin.
The future Hall of Famer spoke about reuniting with Collins on 105.3 The Fan on Friday.
“Yeah it was great seeing him,” Martin said. “I went over, I got a text Monday morning saying he was in the building doing a workout … Got to talk to him a little bit, and obviously he’s back in the building today.
“I said this today when I was talking to the media, when I look back at my Cowboys career, LC is definitely one of the guys that pops into my mind first. So it’s really great having him back.”
Collins was a vital member of the elite Dallas offensive lines from the late 2010s. He, alongside Travis Frederick and current stalwarts Martin and Tyron Smith, was imperative to Dak Prescott’s survival as a young quarterback.
His connection with Prescott is well-known, with Collins being dubbed Prescott’s bodyguard. He’s not likely to find action just yet, but both Prescott and Collins were publicly excited about the signing.
Even so, he is a few steps away from seeing the field. Collins is still tasked with ramping up and head coach Mike McCarthy said, regarding the new addition suiting up, “I don’t think that would be fair to him.”
That hasn’t stopped his teammates from celebrating his arrival.
“I can tell you this, It’s great to have him in the room, man,” Martin said. “He’s got that contagious personality; puts a smile on your face every time you see him.”
If he does find himself on the field during the upcoming playoff run, it would likely be at left guard – if Tyler Smith’s injury worsens – or spelling Terence Steele at right tackle amidst his struggles.
Ultimately, you can never have enough starting-quality linemen. The signing is a low-risk move with legitimate upside and an immediate green light from those already in the building.
Collins himself has one goal in mind. It seems he’s found the most comfortable place to pursue it.
“Let’s go win this thing.”
