Detroit Lions Favored to Sign Free Agent Safety Landon Collins

• The New York Giants opted not to use the franchise tag on Landon Collins
• The decision allows the three-time Pro Bowl safety to walk via free agency
• The Detroit Lions are favored to be the team to sign Collins

Landon Collins is a free agent today, and NFL teams are lining up, salivating at the notion of adding a 25-year-old, three-time Pro Bowl safety to their defensive backfield.

Giants inform Landon Collins he will not be franchise tagged: https://t.co/cLD5vUGnsI pic.twitter.com/A7pzse5MZn

— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2019

A lot of teams will be bidding to acquire the services of Collins, but does familiarity give the Detroit Lions an edge?

The Lions are pegged as favorites to get Collins to sign a contract.

Odds Where Landon Collins Plays Week 1 of 2019 Season

*Odds taken 03/06/2019

Former Giants linebacker Devon Kennard and defensive tackle Damon (Snacks) Harrison both currently play for the Lions.

A Puzzling Departure

Collins won an NCAA national championship at Alabama and brought those winning ways to the Giants.

He led the team in tackles in all four of his seasons. He was a First-Team All-Pro safety in 2016 and was a team captain last season.

Dave Gettleman better be careful. This sent a dangerous message to the locker room. Landon Collins was a quality player, captain, did everything they asked and the Giants showed little desire to keep him. https://t.co/60HrtIy9ar

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 5, 2019

On top of that, Collins is just entering his prime years as a player. Generally, those guys aren’t allowed to walk away.

One of the meanest in the game. Where will Landon land? 😤🤔 @TheHumble_21 pic.twitter.com/NiVaZMPDk6

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) March 5, 2019

He answered the bell every day as a Giant and delivered the goods on and off the field. And they’ve shown him the door.

I’m surprised and disappointed that the Giants didn’t franchise @TheHumble_21. Great player and leader who will be missed! Thanks for making this OG proud!

— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) March 5, 2019

Don’t think for a moment a move like this won’t resonate negatively through the team’s locker room.

Why The Lions Make Sense

The Lions released veteran safety Glover Quin, leaving a gaping hole in their defensive backfield. But why would Collins, with a chance to pick his team, pick the lowly Lions?

You literally can't spell "Landon Collins" without "Land on Lions"

— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) March 5, 2019

Well, perhaps because familiarity can breed a contract.

Time for you to join ya boys in that Honolulu blue fam!

— DK (@DevonKennard) March 5, 2019

Kennard and Harrison wasted no time in getting the lobbying process underway.

Hey @TheHumble_21 pic.twitter.com/VSgFh5H0qc

— Billy (@snacks) March 4, 2019

Can peer pressure actually work on an NFL star? Or will reality step in and remind Collins that the Lions were 6-10 last season? They last won a division title in 1993. They’ve won one playoff game since 1957.

Friendship is going to have to go a long way to overcome that tale of woe.

Where Should Collins Go?

Apologies to hopeful Lions fans, but there’s only one choice among that above list of teams that truly makes sense as a destination for Collins, and that’s the Kansas City Chiefs.

A team was willing to trade a 1st-rounder to the Giants for Landon Collins at this year’s deadline but “they wouldn’t do it,” per @nfldraftscout on @sticktofootball podcast pic.twitter.com/mR7Bu0O9uh

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) March 6, 2019

The Chiefs tried to trade for Collins at the NFL deadline last season and were rebuffed by the Giants. Kansas City is close to being a Super Bowl team and the chief weakness of the Chiefs a year ago was pass defense.

The #Chiefs intend to make Landon Collins an offseason priority.https://t.co/VVobHvRpXa

— Arrowhead Pride (@ArrowheadPride) March 6, 2019

The Chiefs and Collins would be a perfect fit, and that’s why it makes perfect sense.