Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Anthony Collins (73) during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Collins’ tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is over after one year.
Last season’s prize free agent signing was cut by the Bucs Tuesday on a busy first day of free agency.
Tampa Bay signed Collins to a five-year deal worth $30 million to be the team’s future at left tackle.
However, he failed spectacularly. Collins was poor in both pass and rush protection and started just 10 games due to injury and was eventually benched. He was inactive despite being healthy for the final four games of the season.
According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked 71st tackle in terms of pass blocking out of 84 qualifiers. He was ranked 63rd overall as a tackle and committed nine penalties and allowed four sacks. We reported last week that the Bucs were hoping to trade Collins but unsurprisingly they couldn’t find a taker.
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Collins made $9 million last season and the Buccaneers will pay him $3 million of his 2015 salary. They save $3 million though by cutting him.
The Bucs have begun experimenting with Demar Dotson at left tackle as Collins’ replacement. Either way, the Bucs need to find a new starting tackle either in free agency or the draft.
Also Tuesday, the Bucs agreed to a one-year tender with running back Bobby Rainey for $1.54 million. Tampa Bay will have rights to first refusal if another team wants to sign Rainey.
The 27-year-old ran for 406 yards last season on 96 carries and also caught 35 passes for 317 yards. However, he only had 13 carries in Tampa Bay’s last seven games.
The Bucs also re-signed nickel corner Leonard Johnson to a one-year deal. In 16 games last season, Johnson made 46 tackles, had an interception and forced four fumbles.
Neither player are guaranteed roster spots next season but the Bucs keep some familiarity in inking both players to deals early in free agency.