The Washington Commanders have released strong safety Landon Collins, a three-time Pro Bowler who was midway through a six-year, $84 million deal with the club. He confirmed that news to confirmed to CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson that the breakup was over a contract dispute.
The three-time Pro Bowler said he agreed to a restructured deal that would have trimmed his $16 million salary, but balked when the team wanted him to accept another cut. He also called out the team for not having anymore money once they traded for Carson Wentz and asking on his deal.
“They asked me to take a pay cut,” Collins said. “The first one was fine. Then they asked me to take another one. The money changed after they signed Carson Wentz. I’ll just take my chances in free agency.”
The 28-year-old former second-round pick was a Pro Bowler in three of his first four seasons.
In 13 games last season, Collins recorded 81 tackles, three sacks, two fumble recoveries , two interceptions and a forced fumble. In 94 total games, the 28-year-old defensive back has 11 interceptions, 39 passes defended, seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 10 sacks and 676 tackles.
According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Collins will free up $6,482,353 of available cap space while creating $9.6 million in dead money.
Collins will hit the open market with less than a week to go before the official start of free agency.
