Washington Commanders make it official with former Alabama defensive standout

Former Alabama Crimson Tide star Landon Collins is officially seeking a new NFL home. On Tuesday, the Washington Commanders formally parted ways with the safety — who ended up playing a linebacker role in the second half of 2021 — after declining in coverage since was acquired by the team in a trade with the New York Giants.

Commanders release safety Landon Collins. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/6KozVzfHew

— NFL (@NFL) March 16, 2022

After spending the first four seasons of his career terrorizing the Commanders as a member of the New York Giants, the franchise jumped at the opportunity to steal the safety away from their NFC East rival. However, Collins never reached the All-Pro level he was playing at in New York with Washington.

Additionally, injuries became the story of the former Alabama Crimson Tide star’s time with the Commanders. Collins never played a full season with the franchise, and his role was severely diminished as time went on. Now, Washington is cutting their losses.

Nevertheless, Collins is a free agent for the second time in his NFL career. While his contract won’t exceed the one Washington handed him, the former All Pro will be looking to become a household name once again at his next stop.

Washington planning to re-sign Crimson Tide WR

While one former Alabama player is out the door in D.C., all indications point to wide receiver Cam Sims inking a deal to stay with the team that picked him up as an undrafted free agent in 2018.

The Alabama Crimson Tide prepares players for the NFL as good as any program in the country, and on Tuesday, NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler provided an update on the potential professional future for Cam Sims.

Washington Commanders are expected to sign back WR Cam Sims, per source. That's in the works.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 16, 2022

After not being selected in the2018 NFL Draft, Sims signed with Washington as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2018. He suffered a season ending ankle injury in the first game of the 2018 season against the Arizona Cardinals, and was placed on injured reserve.

Still, the 6-foot-5 Crimson Tide wide receiver has found a way to stick around D.C. with two different coaching staffs, multiple quarterbacks and has shined every time he’s given an opportunity.

After mainly serving as a practice squad player early in his career, Sims has proven to be a reliable option and big downfield target, which may be a key factor in the future success of Carson Wentz, who Washington traded for last week.

In 2020, Sims played in 16 games with 10 stars. He hauled in 32 receptions for 477 yards and a touchdown. Last season, he played in 14 games with just three starts. He caught 15 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns.