
The New York Giants are seemingly allowing star safety Landon Collins to walk in free agency. The choice to franchise tag the former second-round pick remains available at $11 million, but reports have indicated that Collins was seen cleaning out his locker room and saying goodbye to teammates at the team’s facility.
I’m told that Giants S Landon Collins cleaned out his locker today at the team facility and said his goodbyes to teammates, coaches and trainers. It doesn’t seem like Collins expects to be a Giant for much longer, per sources.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 20, 2019
General manager Dave Gettleman has been known for his lack of emotion towards football and ability to cut players without thinking twice about it. The reasons for this particular matter seem to be monetary, as Collins is expected to receive a big contract on the open market. Clearly, the team doesn’t see a fit for him in the current scheme, despite being only 25 years old and in the midst of his prime.
I expect the Giants to make moves in the offseason to address the position, but allowing one of the best defenders on an already weak defense to walk is breath-taking. Moving forward, it’s possible he returns, but if he’s cleaning out his locker, chances are that he is on his way out.
What the New York Giants are losing:
Collins has never fallen below 96 combined tackles in a season. His work-rate is fantastic and finds himself making plays all over the field. While several injuries have forced him to miss time, there’s no question that he plays with a chip on his shoulder and works until the final whistle.
He’s only missed five games in his four-year career, which indicates his ability to stay healthy despite his physical style of play. His loss will hurt the Giants’ safety core significantly.