Report: Patriots Discussed Trading For Browns Linebacker

The New England Patriots are super interested in the Cleveland Browns, and they would gladly trade for their linebacker.

The Patriots discuss the trade for Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Jamie Collins, and the info was confirmed by Jeff Howe of The Athletic.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was the first to mention Jamie Collins this week, and he believes that the linebacker can be part of a big trade.

“What about Jamie Collins, the Browns linebacker? I know teams are certainly interested in there. The Browns are not shopping but they have been listening. He does have a high salary and maybe for the right deal, that is someone who could be traded as well,” Rapoport said.

The Patriots are still looking for additional help to their front seven. They have already engaged in three deals with the Browns, and acquired cornerback Jason McCourty, defensive tackle Danny Shelton and wide receiver Josh Gordon.

Collins does not stand on solid ground in 2018. Some said that he might even be released in the pre-season, but the release of outside linebacker Mychal Kendricks changed that. The team is amazed with outside linebacker Genard Avery, but still need depth at this position. Trading Collins would show that the Browns are ready to give up on the season. This would be a huge bite for both the team and the fans.

When it comes to Collins’ contract, let’s not forget that he signed a four-year contract worth $50 million. He has $26.4 million guaranteed, and is set to earn another $25.5 million in the final two years of his contract. He can also take $2.5 million and leave the team after this season.

Collins totaled 44 tackles, two sacks, three pass deflections and an interception this season. The 29-year-old linebacker had a really good game in the past two weeks and led the team with 11 tackles and a forced fumble in Sunday’s game to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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