After spending most of the 2023 NFL season as a free agent recovering from a significant injury, La’el Collins, offensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills, remains optimistic and ambitious about the upcoming season.
Reflecting on his hopes for 2024, Collins emphasized that he is not settling for a reserve role and is committed to contributing in any way possible to his team’s success on the field. Facing uncertainty in late 2022 due to a major knee injury that almost led him to consider retirement, Collins persevered through rehabilitation during the 2023 season. While he signed briefly with the Dallas Cowboys, he did not advance beyond the practice squad.
Speaking candidly about his mental and physical struggles during this period, Collins acknowledged feeling depleted but now feels fully recovered and determined to excel with the Bills.
“They brought me here to play football, and I came here to dominate, and I’m going to let everything else take care of itself,” Collins affirmed. “I’m going to show up every day, go to work, help the young guys, and do whatever they ask me. I’m super grateful and I just look forward to giving Bills Mafia everything left in me. I’m ready to go ball. I’m ready to go dominate.”
Collins was signed by the Bills in April to a one-year deal worth $1.58 million, including $1.21 million guaranteed and up to $5 million in bonuses. The contract’s structure, as highlighted by SI.com’s Chris Pirrone, reflects mutual protection and potential rewards based on Collins’ performance.
Looking ahead, USA Today’s Nick Wojton noted Collins’ versatility as a valuable asset, highlighting his potential impact on the team’s offensive line. Collins himself expressed excitement about joining Buffalo, referencing the team’s dominant rushing performance against his former Cowboys, where they amassed 266 yards on the ground in a decisive victory.
Reflecting on that game, Collins, who watched from home while on the practice squad, admired the team’s ability to impose their will on the field.
“When you’re able to line up in the same formation and run the same play over and over again and they know you’re running it against their will and they can’t stop it, that’s an offensive lineman’s dream,” Collins remarked. “That’s when you know you’re imposing your will. Just watching that and seeing what this group is about, seeing what this team is about… just that little piece that hit home with me.”
