Thinking this may be the end of Collins' career as a player. Should that be the case, what are our options in filling his position?
1. Free Agency:
Chris Hope - A great veteran S who is a UFA. He has yet to sign with anyone, and it makes me think he might be waiting for word on Collins like the rest of us. Played for PIT and TEN over past 10 years. Won a SB with PIT. Might be a lot like a Eugene Robinson type of signing.
Reggie Smith - UFA - SF. Visited with STL but left without a contract. Might also be looking to GB. Not sure how good he is.
Jim Leonhard - UFA - Jets. Tore patellar tendon right knee wk 14. Tough to gauge if he can come back.
Charles Godfrey - UFA - CAR. He could be a good pickup, 5 INTs in 2010.
James Sanders - UFA - ATL. Used to play for NE.
There are a bunch of FA Safeties listed here:
http://www.kffl.com/static/nfl/features/freeagents/fa.php?option=All&y=2012 2. Advance on roster:
MD Jennings
Anthony Levine - they seemed high on this kid before his concussion last year.
3. Draft:
Mark Barron - ALA - would be an absolute stud for us.
Harrison Smith - ND - No INTs, at all, concerns me.
Antonio Allen - SC
Brandon Taylor - LSU
Matt Daniels - Duke
George Iloka - Boise St. - 6' 4" 225!!!
Tysyn Hartman - Kansas St.
Markelle Martin - Oklahoma St. - pinched nerve & fluid on knee 2/24/12 - no thanks
Sean Cattouse - CAL - 6' 2" 211 - a possibility
Just thought I'd throw this little bit of info out there. Players were listed in no particular order. Wish I knew more about them. I think we are OK at S, even if Collins is unable to return - just not great. Adding a top draft talent here could be really good for us going forward.