New York Jets: 3 Bargains to target in 2019 free agency
By Cory Kinnan
Jamie Collins, LB
Released by the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday, Jamie Collins officially joins the pool of unrestricted free agents set to hit the market next week. The former Pro Bowler did not live up to his massive $12 million per year contract in Cleveland and found himself become a casualty of the cap.
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While Collins is certainly not worth over $10 million a year nor will he demand it on the open market, he could provide one team a serviceable, versatile, and experienced linebacker at a bargain of a price. Expect Collins to usher in offers anywhere between $5-7 million annually on no more than a short-term contract of two years at the most.
Throughout his career, Collins has stuffed the stat sheet, filling multiple categories. He has tallied seven interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, 17.5 sacks, 37 hits on the quarterback, and 44 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. At just the age of 29, there is plenty left in Collins’ tank.
The Jets have plenty of money to spend and a need for another interior backer on 3-4 sets and outside backer on 4-3 sets. Collins could give the team that flexibility as he performed in that exact role for the Browns over the past two and a half seasons. The fit is there for the Jets, it is just a matter of interest and money.