The New England Patriots are dealing before the NFL trade deadline, sending linebacker Jamie Collins to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a compensatory third-round draft pick, per EPSN’s Adam Schefter.
Blockbuster deal: Patriots traded LB Jamie Collins to Cleveland for a compensatory third-round pick, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2016
Collins, a freakishly gifted athlete, has been a consistent starter for New England since midway through his rookie season in 2013. He’s racked up 206 tackles and 10.5 sacks during that time.
As they are known to do, the Patriots are dumping a guy right before he’s about to get paid. Collins is in the final year of his rookie contract, earning less than $1 million this year in base salary.
This is something Collins commented on earlier this year, saying the contract situation in New England would work itself out. Apparently not. Now he’ll be dealing with the Moneyball crew in Cleveland.
Per the NFL's internal report, the Browns have $50,554,325 in cap room. So plenty to lock up Jamie Collins long-term.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 31, 2016
He dealt with a hip injury this year but has generally been healthy throughout his career. This could end up being a coup for the Browns.