Cleveland Browns: 3 Players to watch in Preseason Week 3 vs. Eagles

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 17: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass while pursued by Julian Stanford #51 of the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter of a preseason game at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 22: Jamie Collins #51 of the Cleveland Browns sacks Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Jamie Collins

Nobody on this team has more to lose than Jamie Collins. This preseason, Mychal Kendricks has played his butt off. He is always in the backfield. He plays the run well. He rushes the passer even better. He is showing that he is better than Jamie Collins at the strongside linebacker position.

Which puts Collins on notice. The previous regime signed Collins to a four-year, $50 million contract. This is year two of that massive deal. Yet, Collins is already being outplayed at his position. If Collins would like to keep his posh $10 million base salary, he will need to show up on Thursday.

If he does not, the Browns may be able to trade Collins. But an exorbitant contract combined with average play will shrink his value on the market. Nonetheless, the Browns may be able to garner some depth at defensive tackle or offensive tackle should they decide to move him.

Which puts Collins squarely on the hot seat. This Thursday he could answer the bell. If he does, he could win the strong linebacker job and secure his posh contract for another year. If not, he could be traded to a team willing to take a chance. Or he could be outright released with the Browns absorbing a $14.5 million cap hit.

All eyes are on you, Jamie Collins. What are you going to do?

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