According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the New York Giants will not be retaining three time Pro-Bowl safety Landon Collins.
The Giants have informed Collins that they will not be using the franchise tag on him, and he will become an unrestricted free agent. Collins was one of the best defensive players on the Giants’ roster and is regarded as one of the best safeties in the league. He will be highly pursued in free agency by several teams.
The #Giants have now informed S Landon Collins that he won’t be franchise tagged, putting a top player on the free agent market, sources say. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2019
I want to thank the Giants organization for believing in me and allowing me to have 4 great years in NY. I can’t express how great it was to play with my teammates and in one of the greatest cities in the world. I will forever cherish my time in the blue and white and the — LANDON COLLINS (@TheHumble_21) March 5, 2019
Collins had expressed his opinion on not wanting to play next season under the franchise tag and was seeking a long term offer. The team decided to let him go in order to keep the $11 million in cap space to go after other players. Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has received some flak from the media and the fans for his poor management of finances. It has been pointed out that the team could cut longtime quarterback Eli Manning and save $17 million. The team could then cover the expense of Collins and still have extra money to pursue other cheaper QB options.
Landon Collins is 25 years old, has made three Pro Bowls and been a first-team All-Pro. The locker room loves him. The fan base loves him. For the team that drafted him to let him walk when they can hold him in place for $11.15M is just a brutally bad decision. — Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 5, 2019
The Giants have had a losing record for five out of the past six seasons, marking extreme lows for the franchise. Over the last two years, the talent from the defensive ball has floundered and Collins leaves an even bigger hole in an already weak unit. With the talent that Collins possesses, he should fetch a big deal this coming free agency period.
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