Early today, conflicting reports came out suggesting that Landon Collins would not be returning to the New York Giants. ESPN first tweeted out that Collins emptied out his locker, but SNY reporter Ralph Vacchiano reported that Collins' locker was not emptied. Landon Collins eventually attempted to clear the air saying the stuff that was left behind in his locker, is stuff he does not need.

247 Sports reports Landon Collins is set to become a free agent this March if he can't reach a new deal with the New York Giants. Collins originally said he wanted to stay in New York, but his desire seemed to change as he began negotiations with the team.

He is one of the top-ranked safeties in the market. As he enters free agency, he's expected to receive a big offer. He's expecting a contract worth $60 million.

Landon Collins has had an up-and-down career so far

New York drafted Collins in 2015, and proceeded to have a breakout year the next season, but has not reached that level in the following seasons. The 2017 season was a struggle for both Collins and the team as a whole. In 2018, his struggles seemed to rise, and he was sidelined in Week 13 with a shoulder injury, which landed him on the injured reserve list.

While he has struggled over the past few seasons, Collins still is one of the top-ranked safeties in free agency, along with veteran Seahawks safety Earl Thomas.

It's not been made clear if the New York Giants will franchise tag him or if he will not play under the tag. The Giants have not released an official statement.

Landon Collins is hoping to avoid the franchise tag

Collins previously said while he does not want to play under the franchise tag, he would not holdout and honor the designation if that's the decision general manager Dave Gettleman decides to take with him.

Collins said that he would play under the tag, but that it's not a "concern of mine." He will continue to prove his worth under the tag. Collins said he would love to finish his career with the Giants, saying it's a dream of his and wants to make it a reality. A franchise tag would only give Collins approximately $11.3 million.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that New York is expected to franchise tag Collins before he enters free agency. However, it's unlikely Collins will sign the tag right away, and sit out the spring and summer as a long-term deal is worked out. Collins is a three-time Pro Bowler and 2016 first-team All-Pro. The future Hall of Famer is the only player with 400 tackles and 30 passes defended since 2015. He has become the only safety to record 95 tackles in each of his last four seasons.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED