Landon Collins: 'I thought I was always going to be a Giant'

If it was up to Landon Collins, he would've played out his entire career with the New York Giants. Instead, the hard-hitting safety was allowed to hit free agency, where he ultimately signed with the rival Washington Redskins.

His departure from the Big Apple came as a shock to Collins.

"It hit me pretty tough, honestly," Collins said Thursday on "Good Morning Football," according to NFL Network's Kevin Patra. "I thought I was always going to be a Giant. I made it known to the media and the fans. I wanted to be a Giant since I was drafted there, wanted to be one of those Michael Strahans, those guys who finished their years out there. Things didn't turn out that way."

Collins spent his first four seasons in New York before signing a six-year, $84-million deal with Washington.

He said earlier in the week that he believes the Giants' decision to let him go was part of a culture change, one that also led to the trade of franchise superstar Odell Beckham Jr.

"(Giants general manager Dave) Gettleman said things he wanted to say," Collins said. "He said he wasn't going to trade (Beckham), then he traded him. We was all surprised because that's one of the best receivers in the game and for him to do that and lie to everybody, it's not a good look for players and teammates."