Washington Redsksin safety Landon Collins spent the start of his career in New York with the Giants, and he quickly became one of the top run-stopping safeties in the entire league.
After four seasons and a record that was well below .500, Collins left New York as an unrestricted free agent, signing a massive deal with the Redskins after feeling chided by his former team. The move may not have initially put him in a better position to succeed in the NFL, but as Collins spends his first offseason with the Redskins, he thinks things are on the right path.
“I think it’s a good pickup for us,” Collins said of Ron Rivera, via NBC Sports Washington. “We definitely needed — structural-wise, team — just needed a different change. Guys are really going to buy into this system. I think Ron is a very good asset to this team.”
Rivera, who the Redskins hired as a new coach this offseason, will likely offer a spark to Collins’ career, as will defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. Collins finished the 2019 season with 117 total tackles, leading the team.
“He’s there for his players,” Collins said. “A lot of guys need that because loyalty and trust is a big thing for a lot of us. You get that from your guys, they’ll go through a wall for you. That’s big-time.”
Collins also has the unique perspective of being a veteran player on a roster that is ripe with young talent. His first year with the team was the same in which they saw rookies Dwayne Haskins, Terry McLaurin, Steven Sims Jr., and Cole Holcomb all find great success. He knows the value of a strong foundation that puts the players first.
