Why Green Bay needs to nab Landon Collins in Free Agency
One of the biggest problems for Green Bay in recent years has been the play of the defense; more specifically the secondary. With both Morgan Burnett and Haha Clinton-Dix gone, why not try and get another young “Bama Boy” on defense? I’m all for it, as long as it’s for the right price. Collins is young, fast, has great hands, and is very physical. All four of those traits are needed when playing in a city like Green Bay. Not only could he provide instant impact at a position of need, he could also provide depth at the position as well.
Drafted out of Alabama in the 2nd round in 2015 to the New York Giants, Collins’ college career (2012-’14) saw him tally 122 solo tackles, 13 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, 4 fumble returns, and 5 interceptions. All while playing in and winning a national championship (2012 vs Notre Dame). He came one game short of it in 2014 vs Ohio State, in which he had 9 tackles and one forced fumble.
Collins has only been in the NFL for three seasons; but he’s made an impressive start this far for the Giants. He hasn’t missed a game thus far in his career which speaks volumes about any durability issues. In 59 total games, he’s made 59 starts. In total, he’s racked up 8 interceptions for 93 yards & 1 touchdown, 32 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, 4 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, 10 QB hits, and 321 solo tackles. He’s also a first-team all-pro (2016), as well as a three-time Pro Bowler (2016-’18).
Overall, I think Landon Collins can be a great and welcomed addition to the secondary for Green Bay. The only other suitable safety they have right now is Josh Jones; who really hasn’t been used correctly as of late. He’s not a coverage guy and needs to be moved inside the tackle box in order to be more effective on defense. Collins can be a great sidekick alongside Jones. He also can be a somewhat decent coverage safety, but is most effective within the tackle box like Josh Jones.
The bottom line here is that it all comes down to whether or not Green Bay is willing to spend top dollar on a big name defensive free agent. Many fans have said Earl Thomas would be a good guy to go after as well; but he comes with injury concerns. He suffered a broken leg against the Arizona Cardinals this past season. Had it not happened, he would definitely be my top defensive FA to go after. Although he’s said recently that he only wants to go to the Dallas Cowboys. He may be a pipe dream for Green Bay at this point. Collins really hasn’t had any significant injuries; although he did have offseason shoulder surgery done that was successful back in December.
Aaron Rodgers isn’t getting any younger. He needs help around him in order to accomplish what Green Bay strives for year after year: Winning the Lombardi trophy. Landing Collins would upgrade Green Bay’s secondary immediately. It would also bolster up the entire team. I’m anxious to see what Gutekunst and LaFleur conjure up this offseason. One thing’s for sure, the culture in Green Bay is already starting to change for the better. It’s time to bring the title(s) back to Titletown.
#ParkerMoes @ParkerMoes #DHPF @DieHardPackrFan
