The New England Patriots confirmed that they have traded linebacker Jamie Collins to the Cleveland Browns. The Patriots didn't wait for the NFL trade deadline to expire and immediately shift the Pro Bowler LB to the Browns.
It is a stunning move from the Patriots considering that Collins have been a big piece on the defense of the team. It also gives a shock to the whole league knowing that Collins was never mentioned in any trade rumors. But earlier reports have said that Collins decide not to re-sign with the team and this likely gives the Patriots the idea to trade him.
According to ESPN, the trade of Collins was consummated by the Patriots and Browns before the trade deadline and it is said to be that the Patriots will get a compensatory third-round pick from the Browns in the next year draft. If the Browns will not be awarded by the league to get the pick, it will be a sure fourth-round pick for the Patriots.
The report further revealed that the reason behind Collins decision not to continue his relationship with the Patriots is that he is looking for a "Von Miller money" which the team could not give. Collins is referring to Miller's contract with the Denver Broncos when the 27-year old LB signed a $114.5 million deal in six years last July. The contract will give Miller a guaranteed $70 million plus bonuses.
As for the Browns, this is a good development for them as they need a stabilizer in the LB spot since the team let go Paul Kruger in the preseason and Nate Orchard was placed on the injured reserve this season as per stated in the report. Currently, the Browns are the only team in the league who haven't won a game this season and Collins' arrival could help them change their situation.
In a separate report by Patriots, the surprising change puts a big hole in the Patriots' LB position taking into consideration that Dont'a Hightower is nursing a knee injury. Hightower is the most consistent linebacker on Patriots' roster but Collins also do provide the much-needed help and his skill will be truly missed.
Did the New England Patriots make the right move in trading Jamie Collins? Will the Cleveland Browns benefit from this trade?
