A Potential Coach-And-Player Reunion for the New Orleans Saints?

During your childhood, do you recall one of your friends asking you the question, “What do Alexander the Great and Winnie the Pooh have in common?” You would pause for a moment to compare their characteristics, and before you could answer, your friend would suddenly blurt out, “Their middle name!” You would immediately realize the question was a joke and the answer didn’t require any analysis. After the New Orleans Saints' most recent season, many fans have used the term “joke” to describe their team’s 5-12 record and another consecutive year of not qualifying for the playoffs. When it was accepted that the playoffs were again out of reach, it was necessary to look at what could be done to prepare before they return to the field in September. One of their initial moves for the organization was to hire Kellen Moore, who had proven he could oversee players to a championship victory. Mr. Moore’s current role has been overseeing who will be on his team’s roster, which will likely require him to rely on the skills he acquired as an offensive coordinator.  This part of his career lasted almost exactly four years, from the end of January 2019 to 2023, with the Dallas Cowboys. Do you know who else was also on that team at around the same time? Please allow me to introduce you to Baton Rouge-born and LSU player La'el Collins.

Mr. Collins began his professional football career when he was signed in May of 2015 as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys. In his first season as a left guard, he started in 11 of the 12 games he played. In the following season as an offensive tackle, La’el saw action in only three games due to an injury to a torn ligament in his right big toe, resulting in him being placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. He would return for the Cowboys for his 2017 season and follow that with two additional seasons as a right tackle, starting in the 47 games he played. Mr. Collins wouldn’t be able to play during the 2020 season due to injuries from a car accident almost a month before their first official game against the Los Angeles Rams. Fortunately, he was able to return in 2021 again as a right tackle and start in 10 of the 12 games he played due to a suspension involving the league’s substance abuse policy and the coaching staff starting another player in his position. Following the conclusion of that season, La’el was released from the Cowboys and signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he started and played 15 games as a right tackle. This would also be the most recent season in which he would play as a member of any team.

If you are asked by another fan of professional football, “What do Kellen Moore and La'el Collins have in common?” you now have the answer. In addition, you have a reason why the Saints should add this player to their roster. This 31-year-old has the potential to see more action on the field, which will be crucial while Mr. Moore continues to add more talent to his ranks. The familiarity between these two men will ease some of the tension that comes with hiring recruits, and Mr. Collins' capabilities will already be known. Perhaps we will see a comparison featured in an onscreen graphic during an upcoming game.