Dallas' 2016 draft class is one of the best in team history. To be honest, it might be considered one of the better classes in NFL history if they can put together more sustained postseason success in the near future.
Now that the members of that 2016 class are entering their fourth season, the time to pay them is quickly approaching. Stephen Jones has talked repeatedly about giving quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott their deserved extensions, and fourth year linebacker Jaylon Smith is also on his short list to extend.
The third round selection of that same draft, Maliek Collins, has not heard his name mentioned when extensions are discussed, though. Instead, the media has mostly focused on the depth surrounding Collins at defensive tackle, indicating that he will likely be off to a new team come 2020.
It's simple cap-math after all, right? The Cowboys have a ton of guys to pay these next two offseasons, and feel comfortable acquiring players at Collins' position both late in drafts and on bargain deals during free agency. Rod Marinelli has made it work with misfits before, and likely plans to do so again in the future.
This doesn't mean Maliek Collins won't play like he's playing for a pay-day, though.
Collins is finally getting through an offseason fully healthy (knock on wood) and is geared up to go to training camp this Summer. When healthy, Collins has been a force from the 3-technique, especially as an internal pass rusher. Collins brings an explosiveness off the ball that few Cowboys on the interior can match. When at his best, he's clearly a starting-level defensive tackle for this team.
Health has been far from guaranteed with Maliek Collins, however, and the Cowboys have adjusted their defensive tackle depth accordingly this offseason. Former Texans tackle Christian Covington joined the team through free agency, as did former Detroit Lion Kerry Hyder.
Like Tyrone Crawford, Hyder brings end/tackle versatility, making him somewhat of a competitor to Maliek Collins despite mostly looking to play left defensive end. Hyder could see time at 3-technique in pass rushing situations, especially, which would directly bite into Collins' playing time.
Then, of course, the Cowboys spent their first pick of the 2019 NFL Draft on defensive tackle Trysten Hill, further muddying up the defensive line room.
Earning consistent playing time will not be a cake-walk for Maliek Collins as he enters his final season under contract with the Cowboys. But having to compete for that time, and compete for his next contract whether it be in Dallas or not, could lead Maliek Collins to a breakout 2019 season.
He certainly wouldn't be the first player to ball out during his contract year.
