In a stunning move on Monday, the Patriots decided to ship Jamie Collins to the Browns for what is believed to be a compensatory third-round pick in 2017.

Maybe we should have seen it coming. Multiple media members who cover the Patriots have pointed out that Collins' play has either slipped or has been an issue for Bill Belichick lately, and an offseason interview with Collins reveals one habit that Belichick might not love.

While talking with the Improper Bostonian, Collins was asked what kind of football he likes to watch and his answer was basically "none."

The inclusion of Chandler Jones, who was traded to the Cardinals this offseason, in the quote is revealing as well.

Which would you rather watch: college football or pro?

Neither. I didn't grow up watching football, and I still don't. Me and Chandler Jones have talked about this since I first got up here. I never watched football. I never thought I'd be here, and I'd rather play video games. I don't really want to watch it.

There almost certainly was some kind of disconnect between the front office/coaching staff and Collins in the case of this trade.

Multiple media members pointed out that there were concerns about Collins' play. Tom Curran of CSN New England noticed a dropoff since last season's AFC Championship Game, when Collins was beat by Owen Daniels on multiple plays.

Mike Lombardi, now of FS1 and previously on the Patriots staff, blasted Collins for freelancing against the Bills on Sunday following the deal going down.

He's not wrong.

The freelancing thing might have some legitimate legs too. Here was Browns coach Hue Jackson's interesting answer when asked about Collins behavior on the field.

"He can freelance for me then (laughter). The way he freelances is OK with me. What happened there is not what is important for us here. We see a player that is very talented and has a tremendous skill set that fits in with what we do so he is a Cleveland Brown now."


So let's take a look at the factors here ...

  • Jamie Collins wants a bunch of money in the offseason
  • Jamie Collins keeps going off script
  • Jamie Collins isn't a big fan of watching football
  • Elandon Roberts is capable of doing that job at a much cheaper cost

Maybe we should have seen this coming after all.