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On Monday, the Browns pulled off a stunner and traded FOR a player, despite every evidence suggesting they'd be sellers at the trade deadline. The Browns have traded a (COMPENSATORY) third round pick for a player who, prior to 2016, was one of New England's best.
Blockbuster deal: Patriots traded LB Jamie Collins to Cleveland for a compensatory third-round pick, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2016
Jamie Collins, out of SMU, was entering the final year of his contract and is looking for a lucrative extension. The Browns, flush with cap, will be wholly committed to ensuring Collins is signed and around for the long term.
Collins is a one time Pro Bowler, and was a second team all-pro in both 2014 and 2015. He is a rangy plus-athlete, and creates flexibility for defenses with his ability to move sideline-to-sideline and cover everything from tight ends to wide receivers.
Here is a snapshot of the productivity he's had in New England since being a second-round draft pick in 2013:
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What is funny is that not a single one of the Browns' draft picks from 2013 -- OLB Barkevious Mingo, CB Leon McFadden, S Jamoris Slaughter, DE Armonty Bryant, or OG Garrett Gilkey -- are with the club. Assuming Cleveland can get an extension done with Collins (and the trade would not make sense otherwise), then the third-round compensatory pick is well worth it.
Some Reactions to the Trade
The Browns just went from one of the absolute worst coverage LBs in Demario Davis to one of the best in Jamie Collins.
— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) October 31, 2016
Jamie Collins grades as 8th best LB through 8 weeks. He's actually having a slightly down year as he has just 6 pressures after 22 in 2015.
— John Kosko (@PFF_JohnKosko) October 31, 2016
Worth noting for Browns: if they are unable to re-sign Jamie Collins this offseason, they would be in line for a 2018 compensatory pick.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 31, 2016
Collins typically one of the best coverage LBs in the league. Allowing a passer rating of 57.1 when targeted.
— John Kosko (@PFF_JohnKosko) October 31, 2016