The Washington Redskins may start free agency with limited cap space, but that’s not going to stop them from making a huge splash. The Redskins have agreed to terms on a deal with free agent safety Landon Collins, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Collins is signing a six-year deal worth a whopping $84 million. Spotrac reports Collins will receive $45 million in guarantees.
Collins was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. After four seasons in the Big Apple, the team decided to let the former Alabama product test free agency.
The Louisiana native grew up a Redskins fan, and with Washington having a huge hole at safety, the fit seemed natural.
Collins, like many safeties of this generation, grew up a Sean Taylor fan. Washington has struggled to find a suitable replacement since Taylor’s untimely death in 2007. That includes DJ Swearinger, who was a fan-favorite, but was released in December after multiple incidents of criticizing the team’s coaching staff, in particular defensive coordinator Greg Manusky.
Collins will play a similar role as Swearinger in Manusky’s defense. As the Redskins revamp their roster after a disappointing 6-10 season in 2018, they made sure to pull off a huge splash to start, trading for quarterback Case Keenum and then agreeing to a deal with Collins.
With Collins deal, Washington will undoubtedly have to cut some huge salaries to clear cap space as they continue free agency. The Redskins are reportedly shopping linebackers Zach Brown and Mason Foster, and have their sights set on free agent linebacker CJ Mosley in the process.
Nevertheless, Collins brings a similar style and attitude that made Taylor and Swearinger beloved in the nation’s capital.
