New England Patriots

Jamie Collins Trade: Reactions From Around the League

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The news of the Patriots sending Jamie Collins to Cleveland is already drawing swift reaction from league analysts and insiders.

As more details begin to emerge in the Jamie Collins deal, it appears the soon-to-be free agent linebacker was looking for a big payday. His play, however, didn’t seem to impress Bill Belichick enough to warrant a huge contract.

Collins, in particular, was reportedly looking for a break-the-bank type of contract. With Dont’a Hightower playing his best football, the Patriots apparently decided they would rather bet their chips on him than roll the dice with a big deal for Collins.

According to Collins’ agent, Bus Cook, the Pro Bowl linebacker appears to place more priority on being valued by his team — code for “I’ll play for the highest bidder” — than being on a winning team.

The Patriots will now look to move forward and attempt to fine tune a defense that has played well in key situations but still continues to give up yards in chunks. By trading Collins away, the Patriots are once again sending a clear message that anyone is expendable and results, rather than reputation, will determine individual playing time and job security.