Belichick Says Collins Trade Was Best for the Team

In a radio interview Monday afternoon, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick spoke for the first time about his decision to trade Jamie Collins to the Cleveland Browns.

Appearing on WEEI’s “Dale & Holley” afternoon show, Belichick commented on the move.

“In the end, we did what we felt was best for the football team. There were a lot of things to take into consideration. I’m sure we could bring up a lot of things to talk about. But in the end, that’s really the bottom line,” said Belichick.

The Patriots shipped Collins to the Browns for a conditional third-round draft pick — essentially getting their free agent compensation a year early, knowing they were going to let Collins walk after the season.

In his comments, Belichick said there wasn’t one specific issue that led to his decision to make the trade.

“I think you could bring up a lot of things, and they all probably play into the conversation at some point,” Belichick said.

What isn’t part of the conversation, apparently, is the team’s stockpiling of linebackers over recent months — namely Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts, Shea McClellin and Barkevious Mingo.

“I don’t think that’s really part of the decision,” said Belichick. “It’ll be impacted by it, but I don’t think that’s really what it’s about. I think this is just the player, his situation, the team, the team’s situation and what’s best.”

Roberts, a rookie, is expected to see a big bump in playing time with Collins no longer part of the picture.

When asked if he planned on making any other moves before tomorrow’s trade deadline, Belichick said, “If we have anything, we’ll let it go, but I don’t know. It’s hard to tell.”