Browns Finalizing Extension With OLB Jamie Collins

Update:

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the new contract extension for Browns OLB Jamie Collins would pay top the annual salary of Panthers ILB Luke Kuechly, who makes $12.36 million per year.

• According to Rapaport, the two sides are finalizing an extension and it should be done soon.

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Jason La Canfora reports that the Browns have made “significant progress” on a long-term extension with impending free-agent OLB Jamie Collins.

• According to La Canfora, a deal between the Browns and Collins could be done by this weekend.

If the Browns can get an extension in place with Collins before the start of free agency, it would free up their franchise tag for them to use on WR Terrelle Pryor, who is also in line to be an unrestricted free agent.

You can expect the numbers in Collins’ next contract to be very high, especially if he’s willing to sign the deal this far in advance of free agency.

The Browns made it clear that locking Collins and Pryor up long-term will be among their top priorities this offseason.

Collins told reporters during the season that while he doesn’t like losing, he would be willing to re-sign with Cleveland “if the money is right.”

“(Losing is a deterrent) but at the same time, money comes into play around that time,” said Collins, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “If the money is right then I could stay here. Obviously I’m not going to turn it down.”

Collins, 27, is a former second-round pick of the Patriots back in 2013. The Patriots surprisingly traded him to the Browns for a conditional 2018 fourth-round pick that can become a 2017 third-round compensatory pick, depending on whether Cleveland receives one next year.

In 2016, Collins has appeared in 15 games for the Patriots and recorded 112 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and three pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 44 edge rusher out of 109 qualifying players.

We have him featured in our Top 100 – 2017 Free Agents list.