Browns part ways with leading tackler Collins

The Cleveland Browns have released linebacker Jamie Collins Sr., the team announced Wednesday.

Releasing Collins will only cost the Browns $2.5 million in salary cap space this season and saves the Browns $9.25 million in cap costs in 2019 and $13.75 million in 2020. Collins had been due to earn $10 million in salary 2019 and $12 million in 2020.

The Browns traded for Collins the season after he led New England in tackles and went to the Pro Bowl. Cleveland then signed him to a four-year, $50 million contract before he hit free agency in 2017.

Collins started eight games for the Browns after the trade, but missed 10 games in 2017 after he needed surgery for a torn medial collateral ligament.

He returned to start all 16 games in 2018 and led the team in tackles with 104 (73 solo), with 4 sacks and an interception, forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

But while Collins’ play was solid, it was never spectacular. In 30 starts in Cleveland, he had seven sacks and four interceptions. But none were major game-changing plays worthy of a contract that made him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the league.