According to Geoff Hobson of the Bengals.com, the Bengals would like to retain free agent OT Anthony Collins.
Hobson mentions that there is a chance that LT Andrew Whitworth could be moved to left guard depending on what happens with Clint Boling who is coming off of an ACL injury, which means they may need some additional offensive line depth.
Hobson adds that the Bengals liked what they saw from rookie OL Tanner Hawkinson and could give him more playing time depending on what happens with Collins this offseason.
Collins, 28, appeared in 14 games at left tackle for the Bengals in 2013 and was rated as the No. 24 tackle in the league by Pro Football Focus. There is always a premium on offensive tackles in free agency, so the fact that Collins was not only productive, but still 28 years old, should factor into the type of offers he receives come March.
We have Anthony Collins listed as the No. 39 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.
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Boling was worked into LT in preseason, is certainly as mobile as Whit, and is smart, understands angles/leverage, and could start at LT.
Collins will be expensive, we do not have to pay LT money for both of them.Whitwort eats LT money. if Boling will not ready to play, we should be looking for a new left guard and not sign Collins
Seems like a reasonable suggestion.