Report: Browns to make Collins highest-paid ILB with extension

The Cleveland Browns will reportedly break the bank to keep linebacker Jamie Collins.

Collins and the Browns are believed to be close to finalizing a deal, and the contract will exceed that of Luke Kuechly, whose $12.36-million yearly salary is tops among inside linebackers, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Cleveland acquired Collins in a midseason trade with the New England Patriots, sending a conditional 2018 fourth-round pick in exchange, which should become a third-rounder.

The 27-year-old was considered one of the best defensive players in the league during his four-year stint in New England, but the Patriots were apparently unwilling to pay him.

The Browns clearly don't have the same reservations - possibly because they're set to have the most cap space in the league next season with nearly $110 million available to spend, according to spotrac.com.

Despite being surrounded by subpar talent in Cleveland, Collins continued to excel, registering 68 combined tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble in eight games.