Jamie Collins, a former second-round pick out of Southern Missippi, has been selected as an All-Pro linebacker as a member of New England Patriots twice and last year he was selected to his first Pro Bowl. He won a ring with the Patriots and some have considered him to be one of the best linebackers in the NFL. It appeared to be another steal in the draft for Bill Belichick and the Patriots but now he’s being shipped out of town.
Following from Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.
Blockbuster deal: Patriots traded LB Jamie Collins to Cleveland for a compensatory third-round pick, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2016
So instead of Browns trading player to Patriots, Patriots turn tables and trade player to Browns. Cleveland using its draft ammo.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2016
Jamie Collins in last year of contract. Becomes prime candidate for Cleveland's franchise tag – if Browns don't sign him to big deal first.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2016
With Jamie Collins contract coming up, he was at one point asking for what one league source described as “Von Miller money." Von: 6-$114.5M
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2016
I'm told Collins turned down $11m per year from the Patriots. Franchise Tag should be around $15m this spring
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) October 31, 2016
Source says Patriots were "having a lot of trouble" in negotiations w/ Collins for a long-term contract. Set to be a free agent this spring
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) October 31, 2016
This is a total Bill Belichick move. Ship out a top talent who either has nothing left to offer at an elite level or who wants too much money, try to get something in return and then hope a new talent will fill his spot. We’ve seen it a number of times before with the likes of Deion Branch, Darrelle Revis, Randy Moss, Vince Wilfork, Chandler Jones and the list goes on. If you don’t play your role, no matter how good you are, Bill Belichick will not hesitate to move you.
Unfortunately, the Pats aren’t skillfully deep at the linebacker position. They placed Jonathan Freeny on injured reserve two weeks ago and just traded for Detroit Lions linebacker Kyle Van Noy just five days ago. Beyond that, they have a mix of Elandon Roberts, Shea McClellin, Dont’a Hightower and Barkevious Mingo seeing the majority of time at linebacker. Collins was without a doubt the best linebacker the Pats had. But never doubt Belichick and his magical ways.
