Giants not to use franchise tag on Collins

Suitors can begin forming a queue for safety Landon Collins. The New York Giants did not use their franchise tag to retain Collins' refusal rights in free agency, setting the 25-year-old, three-time Pro Bowl selection free and onto the open market when the new league year begins next week.

Collins, a four-year pro, can become an unrestricted free agent when the new NFL year begins March 13. The Giants had until Tuesday to use the franchise tag, which would have guaranteed Collins a one-year, $11.15 million deal. The New York Daily News also reported there is expected to be a "significant market" for the former Alabama safety if he's allowed to hit free agency.

Collins ended last season on injured reserve because of a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He still led the team with 96 tackles, despite missing the final four games. Collins has led the Giants in tackles in each of his four seasons after being selected in the second round (33rd overall) in the 2015 NFL Draft. Collins has 428 tackles and eight interceptions in 59 games, all starts.

 

(With inputs from agencies.)