5:49 p.m.: If the Cleveland Browns trade left tackle Joe Thomas, it likely will be to the New York Giants, per ProFootballTalk. However, the report acknowledges the expected outcome is Thomas remaining in Cleveland through Tuesday’s deadline.
12:58 p.m.: It seems like Collins wanted a lot of money, which almost never happens in New England.
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
12:49 p.m.: This isn’t a hoax. Collins’ agent says he’s already spoken with Collins, who apparently is excited about going to the Cleveland Browns.
Talked to Bus Cook, agent for new #Browns LB Jamie Collins: “I spoke to him. He’s excited about getting over there.”
What do you think? Leave a comment.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2016
Bus Cook, Jamie Collins agent: “The thinking is, if they don’t want me, go someplace that does.” Collins knows the records. Still OK with it
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2016
Rapoport is trying to make sense of this deal like the rest of us.
With contract talks going nowhere, a $15M franchise tag looming, the #Patriots made a call on Jamie Collins. On the #Browns to sign him now
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2016
The #Patriots would have received a compensatory pick for Jamie Collins if he’d left in free agency. They get one this year in exchange.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2016
Former Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones, who was traded this past offseason, seemingly weighed in on the news.
https://twitter.com/chanjones55/status/793132509936558080
12:33 p.m.: Here’s your shocking, unexpected blockbuster deal: The New England Patriots reportedly just traded linebacker Jamie Collins to the Cleveland Browns.
Blockbuster deal: Patriots traded LB Jamie Collins to Cleveland for a compensatory third-round pick, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2016
The #Patriots are trading star LB Jamie Collins to the #Browns for a third-round pick, source confirms (as @AdamSchefter reports). Wow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2016
ORIGINAL STORY: The NFL trade deadline is ticking closer and closer, and there’s several big names being floated around the market. But will they be traded by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET finish line?
We’ll keep you updated throughout the day Monday with all of the latest news and rumors leading up to the end of the NFL’s trading period, so be sure to check back in early and often.
Here’s a roundup of what the football world is mumbling about lately.
— A few All-Pro offensive lineman might be on the move, as San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley and Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas apparently could be available. For what it’s worth, though, both of their coaches have denied any potential trade talks. A few contenders with poor or struggling offensive lines — like the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants and possibly the New England Patriots — reportedly are interested.
— A few other players could be moved off 0-8 Cleveland’s roster, like troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon or Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden.
— Keeping with the trend, the 49ers might be shopping a receiver too, with Torrey Smith’s name being tossed around. The Philadelphia Eagles reportedly are a potential target.
— The New York Jets have a dangerous front seven, but their depth is getting superfluous, and their 3-5 record seemingly makes someone available. That someone reportedly is Sheldon Richardson, who has dealt with suspensions for marijuana use and previously was arrested for allegedly driving 143 miles per hour while evading police. Sports Illustrated’s Greg Bedard speculates that the Indianapolis Colts could give up a first-round pick to acquire him.
— Another Jet who could be flying away from The Meadowlands is veteran wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who could yield the team some nice assets for the future. The Kansas City Chiefs reportedly are a favorite to try to land him.
— Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden could be headed to the Detroit Lions, who have limped through injuries to Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick this season.
— Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is drawing interest in Philadelphia, but NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says there’s nothing to the rumors.
— The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also reportedly are looking for a receiver with Vincent Jackson lost for the season.
Thumbnail photo via Scott R. Galvin/USA TODAY Sports Images