DALLAS (105.3 THE FAN) -- Teams don't usually hold press conferences after signing an undrafted free agent. La'el Collins isn't your standard undrafted free agent.

The Thursday press conference at Valley Ranch got emotional as Collins, his mother, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recounted the process of the offensive lineman landing in Dallas.

Collins was cleared in a New Orleans murder investigation that prevented him from being drafted -- likely in the first round. Dallas provided Collins with the draft experience that he missed out on.

"You really could feel the pain yet see the strength and saw the hope," said Jones with Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan. "It was a very special moment."

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Collins was bold in his introduction, saying that his new unit in Dallas "will be the greatest offensive line in NFL history. Mark my words."

Jones doesn't discount the notion, but going a step further, he believes the Cowboys are building something that could span a decade.

"The idea that they could play together for maybe as long as 10 years, and be a part of something that -- they wouldn't even have to grunt, they'd know what the other one was doing -- and get that good with each other and have that much talent, really could be something special as far as offensive lines are concerned in the NFL."

Zack Martin, Travis Frederick, and Tyron Smith are all 24 years of age. They're also all Pro Bowl talents. That's why Collins ultimately made the choice to come to Dallas.

"That opportunity was very apparent to him. He saw it immediately."

After going undrafted, Collins could have signed with any team. Jones believes the competition for his services was competitive -- even as he entertained the free agent in his home this week.

"By the time he reached Dallas, his phones and his agents phones were lighting up like a switchboard," said Jones. "I would say that people from the stars -- the Mannings and the Lucks -- those guys were calling. Coaches were calling. General managers were calling."

Leaving Open The Trade Door

Until the season begins, the trade speculation surrounding Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will continue.

Some have speculated that Dallas, who was able to acquire three first-round talents this offseason, might be more willing to surrender its 2016 first round pick if it meant bringing in a top-tier veteran.

Jones was asked if the Cowboys would consider such a move.

"You always have that, but it's a bitter pill to swallow," said Jones.

Jerry noted that he's done it twice before, most recently for wide receiver Roy Williams in 2009. And when draft day comes around the next year, it hurts.

But if the right player became available, would Dallas consider it?

"I'd be reluctant to, but certainly, if the right situation came along that could improve us now with where we are with Romo and his career and where we are with what we've put together. It's a good time to go for it."

You can hear Shan & RJ weekdays, 5:30-10 a.m. on 105.3 The Fan! Follow Shan and RJ on Twitter.

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