The New York Giants bolstered the defensive side of the football this week, signing veteran linebacker A.J. Klein to a contract. However, they weren’t done there, signing friendly face Landon Collins to the practice squad, according to Josina Anderson of CBS.
Collins is a hybrid LB/S, providing plenty of value if activated for a Giants defense that is extremely thin after a multitude of injuries against the Chicago Bears in Week 4.
Collins has been waiting patiently for another opportunity to join a team after spending the last three seasons with the Washington Commanders on a big contract. During his time with the Giants between 2015–2018, he earned three Pro Bowl appearances and one first-team All-Pro nod.
What is Landon Collins bringing to the New York Giants?
Last season for Washington, Collins appeared in 13 games, starting in each one. He tallied 81 combined tackles with seven tackles for loss, two QB hits, three sacks, and two passes defended. He also forced one fumble and collected two interceptions, his highest since 2017 with Big Blue.
Considering the lack of depth the Giants have at linebacker, they can use Collins as a primary run-stopping defender. Despite having trouble in coverage in the past, he is a bit more refined in that aspect compared to the Giants’ current linebackers, Tae Crowder, Austin Calitro, and Jaylon Smith.
However, I wouldn’t expect Collins to be activated for at least a week as he learns the defensive system. He’s talented enough to make an impact at some point, it just depends on how quickly he picks up Wink Martindale’s scheme.
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