Bar » He’ll be in better shape physically and he’ll be in a better

CLEVELAND (AP) — Jamie Collins had flashes of brilliance with the Browns. Not nearly enough of them Denzel Ward Jersey , though.Cleveland released the veteran linebacker on Wednesday with two years remaining on his contract. Collins never lived up to high expectations with New England or the Browns, who were in line to pay him $10.5 million this season and $12.5 million in 2020.By cutting Collins, the Browns will save $9.25 million in salary-cap space for 2019, leaving them with around $80 million to improve a roster that went 7-8-1 last season.The 29-year-old Collins was acquired in a trade midway through the 2016 season from New England in exchange for a third-round draft choice. Collins made 30 starts for the Browns, with 204 tackles Jarvis Landry Jersey , seven sacks and two interceptions. However, the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder wasn’t consistent and drew criticism from fans last season for not hustling.Browns general manager John Dorsey met with Collins’ agents last week at the NFL combine to discuss the player’s future.“We want to thank Jamie for his contributions to the Cleveland Browns,” Dorsey said in a statement. “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.”Collins started all 16 games last season and finished with a team-high 104 tackles, four sacks and one interception. But there were long stretches in which Collins seemed to disappear Myles Garrett Jersey , and in the end the Browns decided his contract — a four-year, $50 million deal signed in 2017 — didn’t match his value.At the time of his signing, Collins represented another new start for the Browns, who have only made the playoffs once since their expansion reboot in 1999. Now, he’s no longer part of a future that appears much brighter if Cleveland has found its franchise quarterback in Baker Mayfield.Collins’ departure could have a major impact on Dorsey’s plans in free agency and the draft. The Browns want to improve their front seven on defense and are focused on adding depth on the line and at linebacker.While this year’s college class of linebackers isn’t especially deep Jim Brown Jersey White , there are some good ones available in free agency, including Baltimore’s C.J. Mosley, Philadelphia’s Jordan Hicks and Minnesota’s Anthony Barr.Dorsey could also try to improve his defense via trade. The Browns have the week off, so holding quarterback Baker Mayfield out of Tuesday’s practice is apparently just a precaution.Via Mary Kay Cabot of the , Browns coach Freddie Kitchens said that Mayfield’s hip injury wasn’t a big deal and that there was “no doubt” Mayfield would play on Oct. 27 against the Patriots.“He’ll be in better shape physically and he’ll be in a better place mentally too Bernie Kosar Jersey White ,’’ Kitchens said. “We’ve got to get him ready to play the last 10 games.’’It looks like their bye is coming at a perfect time, for a number of reasons.Mayfield was in obvious discomfort during Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks, and went to the locker room to get checked by the team’s medical staff, but didn’t miss a snap.But beyond the physical, Mayfield looks like a guy who could use a week off to hit reset. His 11 interceptions lead the league Jarvis Landry Jersey White , and his 66.0 passer rating is currently 32nd in the league among qualified passers.