Cleveland Browns are determined to make a contending team for the future, but this requires making some tough decisions. They made one of them on Wednesday by deciding to part ways with linebacker Jamie Collins.
By cutting Collins, who was the team’s leading tackler in 2018 with 104 combined tackles, Browns freed up a significant amount of salary cap space, saving $9.25 million for the upcoming season and $13.75 million in 2020.
The news was confirmed on Cleveland’s official Twitter page.
“We want to thank Jamie for his contributions to the Cleveland Browns,” – said general manager John Dorsey 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 himself also reacted on social media after ending his tenure with the Browns.
Cleveland Browns acquired Jamie Collins in 2016 from New England Patriots in exchange for a conditional third-round draft pick. After an encouraging first season in Cleveland, in which he played eight games and had 69 tackles, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception, Collins received a four-year, $50 million contract which made him one of the league’s highest-paid linebackers.
Collins, however, never justified the money invested in him, since he struggled with injuries next season and only played six games. He bounced back to have a solid year in 2018 but failed to make plays that would convince Cleveland to keep him on the roster at the current price.
