Browns lock up Collins on 4-year deal worth reported $50M
The Cleveland Browns have signed linebacker Jamie Collins to a four-year contract, the team announced.
It's a blockbuster. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the deal is worth $50 million with $26 million in guarantees.
The Browns traded a conditional third-round draft pick to the New England Patriots to acquire the impending free-agent Collins in October. Clearly, the plan all along was to keep him in Cleveland.
Related: Collins signing shows Browns ready to start building up
In eight games with the Browns, Collins made 69 tackles (including seven for a loss), two sacks, and forced one fumble.
In Collins, the Browns get a highly athletic and versatile defender who can rush the passer, defend the run, and drop into coverage. They also get a player who has been criticized for freelancing on the field, though that isn't something that seems to concern head coach Hue Jackson.
"It's no secret how I feel about Jamie Collins," Jackson said of the signing. "He's an outstanding football player and a guy we think can be part of the foundation of a tremendous defense. I was excited when we were able to trade for him last season, and now, I'm even more excited knowing that he is going to be part of our future."