Cincinnati Bengals Could Release Injured Starting Tackle

The Cincinnati Bengals may pull the plug on one of their 2022 free-agent acquisitions. According to the Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr., the team could decide to part ways with right tackle La'el Collins in order to clear cap space.

The question of the offseason for the #Bengals (besides that whole QB extension thing) is what’s happening at OT.

On the murky paths forward, parameters on the options and what the team is saying — and, more importantly, not saying — about what’s next. https://t.co/Klgst31V57
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) March 2, 2023

The Bengals signed Collins to a three-year, $21 million contract last offseason. He started 15 games for the team, earning a below-average 57.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for his efforts. He tore his ACL and MCL in a 16 22-18 win over the New England Patriots, which could interfere with his availability for offseason activities and possibly even the regular season.

The Bengals can save up to $7.2 million by cutting Collins before the regular season. Given his level of play and the severity of his injury, he may not have a place on this year's 53-man roster. The NFL is a cruel business, and the Bengals can likely do better at less money at right tackle. Collins may have to settle for a one-year, midseason contract with a new team once he can prove he has fully recovered.