Browns GM John Dorsey is scheduled to meet with agent Bus Cook on Friday to talk about the “long-term plan” for linebacker Jamie Collins (via Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer). Dorsey didn’t say it explicitly, but it sounds like the Browns will either ask Collins to restructure his deal or consider an outright release. 
The Browns acquired Collins from the Patriots via trade in 2016 and later signed him to a new four-year, $50MM contract. Collins missed the bulk of the 2017 season due to injury and had a so-so 2018, so the Browns probably don’t feel that he’s worth the expense. As it stands, Collins is under contract through 2020 with cap hits of $11.75MM and $13.75MM in each of the next two seasons. Releasing Collins would give the Browns an additional $9.25MM in cap room versus just $2.5MM in dead money.
Collins will celebrate his 30th birthday in October, midway through his seventh pro season. Last year, Collins registered 104 tackles and four sacks in his first 16-game season since his 2013 rookie campaign, but graded out as just the No. 58 ranked LB in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus.
“There were some inconsistencies,’’ said Dorsey. “You don’t know what leads to it. He may have been nicked. There’s certain things that come. All I know is he’s a very talented football player and you can’t have enough of those guys on your team.”
Dorsey also wondered aloud whether Collins would fit into new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks’ 4-3 scheme as an outside linebacker.
“Once you understand the concepts that Steve is trying to apply, what it takes to have a position of success within the linebacker position, you want to make sure he fits that model,’’ said Dorsey. “Jamie is a good football player, so we’re going to sit and talk to his representatives, we’re going to go back as an organization and talk about all these different things and then we’ll make a decision here moving forward.”
If he does get released good chance he comes back to New England
Collins for Hightower straight up!
Negative ghost rider.
This guy cripples the Browns franchise on Madden. LOL. No one will even trade for him.
He’s got his flaws, but he’s still a very useful player. He just doesn’t fit the Browns, especially at his current price tag. But if they end up cutting him, whoever gets him will get a solid piece.
Release him, because he doesn’t run out plays and doesn’t even look like he wants to be there
I agree. There is a huge difference in play pre big contract and post big contract w the browns. He doesn’t play to his potential. Wouldn’t mind renegotiating a contract that includes incentives but pays out only half his base salary. I’m sure he wouldn’t agree to that, if not, I’m ok releasing him and finding someone who plays for his teammates w lesser potential and 10% of the pay… I’m disappointed in Collins and his lack of effort. Much like Josh Gordon, unbelievably talented but wasted (obviously for different reasons).