Cowboys sign hotly pursued UDFA La'el Collins to reported 3-year deal

The Dallas Cowboys have reached a deal with highly sought-after undrafted free agent offensive tackle La'el Collins.

His contract is a three-year, $1.7-million deal and is fully guaranteed, NFL Network's Albert Breer reports. It's believed to be the richest contract ever signed by an undrafted rookie.

Collins, once considered a likely first-round draft pick, went undrafted because he was sought for questioning in the investigation into the murder of his former girlfriend. Police have maintained all along that Collins is not a suspect in the case.

"I had the opportunity to choose between 32 teams. I wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy," Collins said via Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News.

Collins will join a Cowboys rookie class dripping in potential value. The team's second-round pick, edge rusher Randy Gregory, was also considered by many to be a first-round talent but fell due to character concerns.

"This is going to be the best offensive line in NFL history, mark my words," Collins said.

Curiously, the Cowboys appear to be one of the few NFL teams without an obvious need for Collins. Tyron Smith is entrenched as Tony Romo's blind side protector and the team re-signed right tackle Doug Free to a three-year, $15-million deal in March.

Collins will likely begin his career at guard and eventually transition to tackle as Free's replacement.