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Cleveland Browns sign Jamie Collins to four-year, $50 million deal

By Dave Stevenson

Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Jamie Collins (51) before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Jamie Collins (51) before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns have signed Jamie Collins to a four-year deal with a potential value of up to $50 million. 

For a very long time, the Cleveland Browns have been looking for a leader for their defense. Thanks to a trade with the New England Patriots, they got one in linebacker Jamie Collins. They paid a hefty price to get him and now it’s worth it, as the team announced they have signed him to a four-year deal with a potential worth of up to $50 million.

“I want to thank the Cleveland Browns organization for giving me this opportunity,” Collins said, via the team’s website. “From the day I walked in the door, I felt welcomed by my new teammates and everyone in this organization. The past is the past as far as last season’s record, but today is a new day… I feel like we are going to get there and I feel good about continuing my career here.”

Collins gives the Browns a much needed franchise building block. They have lacked those types of players for a majority of their tenure since returning in 1998. Moving forward, Collins should serve as the quarterback of their defense. He’s one of the most versatile linebackers in the NFL, efficient at stopping the running, in coverage, and above average at rushing the passer.

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Split between New England and Cleveland, Collins totaled 112 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. While the Browns have a lot of work to do, this is a step in the right direction. With a lot of draft picks and hopefully the right guys in charge, the Browns are potentially in a good position to improve quickly. Credit Cleveland for paying what it took to keep Collins with the team.

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