The New England Patriots stunned the football world on Monday when they traded Jamie Collins, but the move likely means they knew there was no chance they were keeping the linebacker beyond the 2016 season.
Collins is set to become a free agent this winter, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the 27-year-old is seeking to be one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL.
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
While Collins is considered one of the most versatile and athletic linebackers in the game, he stands virtually no chance of making nearly $20 million per season. The franchise tag is expected to be around $15 million next season, and the Patriots reportedly offered Collins less than that.
I'm told Collins turned down $11m per year from the Patriots. Franchise Tag should be around $15m this spring
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) October 31, 2016
The real surprise is that Bill Belichick couldn’t get more than a third-round pick in return for Collins. The fact that the Patriots traded Collins is right in line with how they conduct their business.
