The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Browns, Jamie Collins part ways
Collins led the Browns with 104 tackles in 2018, but that was deemed not enough to save his job.
The Browns, as expected, cut linebacker Jamie Collins on March 6. Collins led the Browns with 104 tackles in 2018, but that was deemed not enough to save his job. Collins was due to make $10 million in 2019. “We want to thank Jamie for his contributions to the Cleveland Browns,” Browns general manager John Dorsey said in a statement. “These types of decisions are never easy. Jamie is a respected veteran player in this league and we wish him the best as he continues his career.” Collins, 29, was acquired on Halloween in 2016 from the Patriots for a thirdround draft choice. The Browns were 0-8 at the time. Former Director of Football Operations Sashi Brown signed Collins to a four-year, $50 million contract before Collins could hit free agency in 2017. More than half of the contract - $26.4 million – was guaranteed. The Browns still owe Collins $2.5 million of the guaranteed portion, but cutting him now saves them $9.25 million on the salary cap and pushes their available cap space beyond $80 million. Collins started all 16 games for the Browns last season. He had four sacks, one interception, once forced fumble, a fumble recovery and four pass breakups to go with his 104 tackles. The Browns are likely to find Collins’ replacement in the draft or free agency, although pickings in free agency at outside linebacker are going to be slim. They could also move 2018 fifthround draft pick Genard Avery to Collins’ spot on the strong side, though Avery is expected challenge Christian Kirksey for a starting job at weak side linebacker.