Collins shrugs off critics
Former Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins got his first opportunity yesterday to address some critical jabs that had been thrown in his direction since Monday’s trade.
Specifically, reporters in Cleveland asked him about some alleged financial demands and his on-field play, which both had been scrutinized this week since the Pats shipped him to the Browns for a conditional draft pick.
First, it was alleged Collins wanted “Von Miller money,” which referred to the Denver Broncos linebacker’s six-year, $114 million contract.
“I don’t know (anything) about ‘Von Miller money,’ ’’ Collins said, according to Cleveland.com. “Nothing. It never came out of my mouth, never. Let’s be smart. Let’s all have some common sense.’’
Former assistant to the Patriots coaching staff Michael Lombardi also lambasted Collins for his onfield freelancing, among a laundry list of other things since Monday’s trade. But for what it’s worth, Pats defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and linebackers coach Brian Flores both backed Collins’ work ethic, consistency and playing style.
Collins said Bill Belichick hadn’t spoken to him about it.
“I don’t know,” Collins said. “That’s what the coaches do. I just come out here and I do what I’ve got to do. It’s not my job to trade anyone. If it happens, it happens. I just move on. And that’s what I’m doing, moving on.’’
Collins said he “was surprised” by the trade but didn’t leave on bad terms with Belichick.
“I leave anywhere on good terms with anybody,” Collins said. “I’m not stressing over (anybody), no one. Not me.’’
Collins said he was playing at a high level with the Patriots, and he’ll continue to be a “workaholic” for the Browns despite transitioning from the team with the best record in the NFL to the league’s only winless team.
“I’ve been there before,” Collins said of his 0-12 squad at Southern Mississippi. “I know how to handle the situation. I’m up for the challenge. I’ve been here before, so this is really no big deal. The only thing going through my mind was just transferring up here and all my personal belongings.”