/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45801358/usa-today-7669465.0.jpg)
Remember last year when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached a five-year agreement worth $30 million with Anthony Collins? A riot ensued and someone cursed Mike Brown's name. How could the Bengals NOT re-sign Collins, who secured a +12.0 Pro Football Focus grade in 2013 and didn't allow a quarterback sack in 389 pass blocks? At least Cincinnati signed a steal in Marshall Newhouse.
Now... according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, Tampa Bay is planning to release Anthony Collins if they're unable to find a trade partner -- why would anyone bother to trade for him and that contract ?
Cautionary FA tale: Last year, #Bucs signed OT Anthony Collins to a 5-yr, $30M deal. Now, they’re shopping him. Will cut him if no takers
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 2, 2015
You have to consider that Cincinnati would be open to signing Collins back, clearly in a similar role that he had before his big-priced departure (he was mostly the first backup offensive tackle).
According to Pro Football Talk, Tampa Bay will owe Collins $3 million if he's cut -- hence why they want to trade him.
Per a source with knowledge of the contract, $3 million of the $6 million base salary due and owing to Collins already is fully guaranteed, with no offset language. If he’s cut instead of traded, the Buccaneers will owe him the full $3 million — regardless of whether he signs with a new team.