More pie! Cowboys reach 5-year contract extension with RT La'el Collins

FRISCO - To paraphrase Dallas Cowboys owner, there is only so much pie. Right tackle La’el Collins, eligible for a contract extension, apparently wants to eat.

Collins, currently set to make just over $6.5 million in 2019 base salary, is closing in on an agreement with the club, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports.

The #Cowboys are close to completing a long-term contract extension with offensive tackle La’el Collins. It could be finalized as early as today. I expect it to be similar to the Jaylon Smith deal, with Collins and Dallas reaching a contract beneficial for both the player & team.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) September 3, 2019

In fact, NFL Network reports that it's done - and that it's a five-year extension.

Actually, it’s a done deal for the #Cowboys and T La’el Collins. Sources say the sides have agreed to a five-year extension. The former undrafted free agent (albeit because of non-football reasons) cashes in.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 3, 2019

This news shouldn’t be considered a surprise; while much focus has been on working toward new deals for Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper, the club has also talked openly about Byron Jones, Collins and Jaylon Smith getting extensions this year. Jaylon's is done, solidifying the linebacking corps. Assuming Collins gets done, it can do the same for the future of Dallas' vaunted offensive line.

Oh, and I bet as with Jaylon, Collins' deal gets labeled "team-friendly.'' Probably "below-market.'' Surely the product of La'el wanting to continue playing for "America's Team'' -- all the Joneses' selling points.

Collins was the subject of some speculation when during the April NFL Draft the team used a third-round pick on guard Connor McGovern. Would that mean 2018 second-round pick Connor Williams, who presently starts at left guard, take over at right tackle, allowing Dallas to let Collins go in free agency?

That was certainly a thought. So, however, is the notion that the Cowboys need to think about the future of All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith. Someday, he will need to be replaced. Employing McGovern, Williams and Collins long-term offers insurance against a problem there ... and elsewhere along the line.

Dallas' contractual situation will look even better when running back Ezekiel Elliott is finally lured into the building. But along the O-line? Williams is signed through 2021, while Smith and fellow Pro Bowler center Travis Frederick are under contract through 2023. Right guard Zack Martin, a multiple-time All-Pro, is locked up through 2024.