NY Jets reportedly targeting star OT La’el Collins in a trade

The NY Jets are reportedly targeting Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La’el Collins in a trade for Jamal Adams.

The NY Jets continue to be the center of trade talks surrounding star safety Jamal Adams. And if a recent report is to be believed, they could be connected to a pretty significant name as part of a potential trade package.

As reported by Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, the Jets are exploring the possibility of trading for star Dallas Cowboys’ offensive tackle La’el Collins in a deal that would include Adams.

Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean that there have been any actual trade discussions — at least since last October’s trade deadline — but if the Jets and Cowboys were to do business, it would seemingly center around an Adams-for-Collins swap.

Here is what Pauline had to say about the potential blockbuster trade.

“I’m told right now that the player the Jets would ask for in a trade for Adams would be right tackle La’el Collins. That’s the player that they want. That’s the player that they’re going to target…If you’re a Jets fan, you know one thing – you can’t start the season with Chuma Edoga starting at right tackle.”

Collins is part of a Cowboys offensive line that features some of the best talent in the NFL. Playing alongside the likes of Zack Martin and Tyron Smith, Collins often gets overlooked.

But make no mistake about it, he’s one of the best offensive tackles in the league.

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La’el Collins would be a massive upgrade for the NY Jets’ offensive line.

Collins finished the 2019 season with an elite 86.4 Pro Football Focus grade which ranked fifth among all qualified offensive tackles in the NFL. Last season was the best year of his career, but he’s been an above-average starter for at least a couple of years now.

Originally considered a top-10 prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft, Collins shockingly went undrafted following reports that he was possibly connected to the shooting death of a pregnant woman with whom he previously had a relationship.

Ultimately, Collins was cleared of any possible connection and the result was the Cowboys stealing one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL on a dirt-cheap contract.

The 26-year-old recently signed a five-year, $50 million extension through the 2025 season and Pauline mentioned that his contract is widely viewed as one of the best value deals in the NFL.

Consider the fact that recent Jets free-agent signing George Fant is due to make the same $10 million annual figure over the next three years that Collins is set to make over the next five.

Fant is a fringe starter. Collins was a top-five player at his position last year.

As much as it would hurt the Jets’ defense to trade Adams away, landing a player like Collins would provide a monumental boost to the offensive line and give the Jets an already-established top-tier offensive lineman to build around for the future.

General manager Joe Douglas is sure to drive a hard bargain if the Cowboys really want to land their hometown hero in Adams.

And if he could manage to swindle Collins away from them, both sides will likely be thrilled with the results.