Jamie Collins Trade: Reactions From Around the League
By Joe Lewis
The news of the Patriots sending Jamie Collins to Cleveland is already drawing swift reaction from league analysts and insiders.
As more details begin to emerge in the Jamie Collins deal, it appears the soon-to-be free agent linebacker was looking for a big payday. His play, however, didn’t seem to impress Bill Belichick enough to warrant a huge contract.
You thought defense was underperforming. I thought defense was underperforming. This confirms Belichick - the opinion that matters - agreed
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) October 31, 2016
Collins on the second play of the game does whatever he wants and Bills gain 28 yards. Been happening all year. It was not going to continue
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) October 31, 2016
Always known to be frugal, the Patriots have now traded away two big-name players in the recent calendar year that will be looking for big money deals on the free agent market.
So the Patriots have traded DE Chandler Jones and LB Jamie Collins within the last 8 months. Both could command $15M per in new deals.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 31, 2016
Collins, in particular, was reportedly looking for a break-the-bank type of contract. With Dont’a Hightower playing his best football, the Patriots apparently decided they would rather bet their chips on him than roll the dice with a big deal for Collins.
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
According to Collins’ agent, Bus Cook, the Pro Bowl linebacker appears to place more priority on being valued by his team — code for “I’ll play for the highest bidder” — than being on a winning team.
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
The Patriots will now look to move forward and attempt to fine tune a defense that has played well in key situations but still continues to give up yards in chunks. By trading Collins away, the Patriots are once again sending a clear message that anyone is expendable and results, rather than reputation, will determine individual playing time and job security.