Report: Anthony Collins Choosing Between The Buccaneers, Panthers & Bengals

Update:

Greg Auman reports that the free-agent OT Anthony Collins is deciding between offers from the Buccaneers, Panthers and and the Bengals.

• Auman adds that all three teams are offering Collins comparable money.

This is the first we’ve heard regarding the Panthers’ interest, but it makes sense now that they have already lost two offensive line to retirement, including LT Jordan Gross.

Collins recently visited with the Buccaneers and the Bengals have been reportedly trying to re-sign as well.

Collins, 28, put together a solid season when it counted most and is now among the best available options at left tackle in this year’s free agent market.

Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 24 offensive tackle in the league last season.

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Rick Stroud reports that free agent OT Anthony Collins will visit with the Buccaneers.

Recent reports have indicated that the Bucs are the favorites to sign Collins, despite interest from teams like the Redskins. The offensive tackle market has moved quickly, so Collins is now the best available left tackle on the open market.

He should do pretty well.

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Jason La Canfora is hearing that the Buccaneers’ “primary focus” is on signing Bengals free agent OT Anthony Collins and getting younger on their offensive line.

• La Canfora adds that he “wouldn’t be shocked” if the Bucs released another veteran lineman such as OT Jeremy Zuttah in the coming days.

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Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Buccaneers have been in contact with OL Rodger Saffold (Rams) and OT Anthony Collins (Bengals) in recent days.

• Wilson’s sources expect Saffold to end up with the Raiders at some point for a deal close to $8 million per year.
• However, Wilson’s sources believe Collins goes to the Buccaneers for some between $6.5 million to $7 million per year.
• Wilson adds that Collins could still re-up with the Bengals at some point.

Saffold’s name recently came up as a target for the Cardinals, who are obviously looking for offensive line help. However, Kent Somers recently mentioned that Arizona appears to have their focus on free agent LT Jared Veldheer, who is believed to be a “more viable target” than Saffold.

The Rams would like to re-sign Saffold, but it looks like it’s going to take a lot in terms of financial commitment to get him under contract at this point in time.

We have both Saffold and Collins featured in our Top 50 Free Agents list.