Reports have Landon Collins both staying with and leaving the Giants
By Allison Cary
Conflicting reports leave confusion about safety Landon Collins future with the New York Giants.
According to Josina Anderson, Landon Collins time in the Big Apple has come to an end. The ESPN reporter tweeted that Collins “cleaned out his locker today at the team facility and said his goodbyes to teammates, coaches, and trainers.” Some Giants fans were hoping that a deal could be negotiated with the star safety, but Anderson’s tweet suggests that will not happen.
Not long after Anderson’s tweet, however, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY tweeted that Collins’ locker “remains full of stuff, as of this hour, and he has not been informed of any decision on whether the team plans to use the “franchise tag” on him.” A franchise tag would mean that Collins would receive a one-year, fully guaranteed contract.
UPDATE: Landon Collins says he cleaned out the only stuff that mattered
There are two types of franchise tags: exclusive and nonexclusive. In a nonexclusive tag, Collins would receive a salary equivalent of either the average of the top five players at his position or 120% of his previous salary. He is free to negotiate with other teams, but they must exceed the Giants offer. The Giants are free to meet that offer, and if they do not, they will receive two first-round picks as compensation.
An exclusive franchise tag would be calculated based on the top five players at his position and what they’re being paid for the 2019 season, rather than 2018.
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So, with these two conflicting reports, its not clear what is in the cards for Collins. If he hits the open market, he is expected to court a hefty deal.
The 25-year-old was drafted by the Giants in the second round in 2015. He had a breakout year in 2016, where he had four sacks, one fumble recovery, five interceptions, and a defensive touchdown. His 2018 season was cut short with a shoulder injury in Week 13, but he’s still considered one of the best safeties available in a year with many free agent safeties.