Washington Commanders part with safety Landon Collins

The veteran took on a hybrid safety/linebacker role last season, helping a marked defensive improvement for Washington.

It is expected that Washington Commanders cut veteran safety landon collinscreating more cap space but costing a valuable defender, a source told ESPN this Thursday.

collins, who had three years remaining on his contract, was scheduled to make a $16.2 million salary-cap impact this season. Lowering him will save Washington about 6.6 million dollars against the cap, but it will continue to impact with about 9.6 million in dead money. According to one source, Washington he had tried to get a deal that would lower his figure against the salary cap.

The news of the expected drop in collins was first reported by the NFL Network.

Washington changed the role of collins early last season, employing him in a hybrid safety/linebacker role. That change coincided with an improvement in the defensive level of the commanders.

In the first six games, most of which featured collins as the starting strong safety, the defense of Washington — who also suffered multiple issues in other areas — ranked 32nd in points allowed, and 31st in total yards allowed. In the next six, after collins had taken the hybrid role serving as third safety, the defense of Washington she ranked ninth in points allowed and fourth in total yards allowed.

The head coach of the commanders, Rum Riverasaid collins he was a dynamic player in that role. But, collins he made it clear that while he embraced that role, he preferred to be a full-time safety.

Injuries plagued the past two seasons of collins with Washington. He tore his Achilles tendon in Week 7 of 2020 and missed four more games with injuries last season. He was placed on injured reserve for the final three games of 2021 with a foot problem.

Washington signed to collins to a six-year, $84 million deal for the 2019 season.

collins spent its first four seasons NFL with the New York Giantswho selected him in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. On New York, collins was selected three Pro Bowls and it was a All-Pro of the first team in 2016. He did not get an invitation to the Pro Bowl during his time with Washington.