Free agent cornerback Jalen Collins was reinstated by the NFL earlier today after serving a 10-game suspension, and he’s already landed an audition. Collins worked out for the Colts on Wednesday, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com. Indianapolis also looked at fellow defensive back Dontae Johnson, per Howard Balzer (Twitter link).
Collins has already faced multiple league-imposed bans during his brief NFL career, and his most recent 10-game suspension was actually his second of that length. While Collins’ previous bans were reportedly due to performance-enhancing drug use, it’s unclear what caused his latest suspension. However, as Matt Miller of Bleacher Report notes (via Twitter), Colts general manager Chris Ballard has never been afraid to target players with off-field issues.
Still only 25 years old, Collins flashed potential in parts of two seasons with the Falcons (2015-16). A former second-round pick, Collins started eight games for the Falcons and played in 24. He also started all three of Atlanta’s games in the 2016 playoffs, including Super Bowl LI.
Johnson, 26, spent four seasons (including one as a starter) with the 49ers before latching on with the Bills earlier this year. He played in only one game with Buffalo before being cut, but he’s hit the workout circuit since, auditioning for the Lions, Browns, and Dolphins.