Jamie Collins didn’t do a whole lot of talking off the field in New England. It appears that’s already changed with his new club.
Collins addressed the Cleveland media Wednesday for the first time since the Patriots shockingly traded him to the Browns on Monday. There were plenty of questions to be asked after the surprising move, most notably about the Pro Bowl linebacker’s contract situation.
A recent report claimed that Collins asked the Patriots for a deal similar to that of Von Miller, who signed a record six-year, $114.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos this past offseason. Collins was quick to shoot down the report.
“I don’t know nothing about Von Miller money,” Collins said, via Cleveland.com. “Nothing. It never came out of my mouth, never. Let’s be smart. Let’s all have some common sense.”
Another report had New England offering Collins a contract worth $11 million per year, which would be lower than the $15 million he’d get next season if the Browns placed the franchise tag on him. The 27-year-old refuted that, too.
This is a good indication that Collins and the Patriots probably were far apart on contract talks, which could be part of why New England moved him to Cleveland. Browns coach Hue Jackson recently hinted the team would like to sign Collins long-term before he becomes a free agent this offseason. But Collins apparently is keeping his options open.
Collins had plenty more to say Wednesday in an interesting interview, so don’t expect the fourth-year veteran to fade from the spotlight after his surprise departure from New England.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
