The Browns announced on Wednesday that they have released former Pro Bowl linebacker Jamie Collins, Sr.
Collins, 29, was traded to the Browns from the New England Patriots in the middle of the 2016 season for a conditional third-round draft pick. The six-year veteran started in all 16 games last season and recorded 104 tackles, four sacks, and one interception.
The move clears up some more cap space for the already rich Browns, as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero tweeted. Cleveland now has over $80 million in cap space for this offseason, which is third most behind the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts. Collins was set to make $10.5 million in 2019 and $12.5 million in 2020.
“We want to thank Jamie for his contributions to the Cleveland Browns,” said general manager John Dorsey. “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.”
With a linebacker spot now vacant, Dorsey will look towards free agency and the draft to fill the hole. Two of the more interesting names in the free agency pool to keep an eye on include former Minnesota Vikings linebacker and four-time Pro Bowl selection Anthony Barr, and former Baltimore Ravens defensive signal caller, CJ Mosley.
Teams can begin talking to unrestricted free agents on Monday, with the new league year beginning on Wednesday.
If the Browns elect to try their luck in the draft, former LSU linebacker Devin White is an interesting option to replace Collins.
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