Firstly, that statement assumes Collins top priority is money. It may not necessarily be true; most players are often just as concerned (if not more) with job security as they are with money. A one year contract as a RFA may pay out a heck of a lot more than many people can even imagine, but you realize if something happens to Collins in terms of injury then he's in a potential world of hurt. Having a contract does provide him peace of mind that he can have (see Walker, Javon last year as Packer).

Also, these guys have families too, so I'm sure they'd prefer to have some peace of mind knowing their long term home is in X. I'm sure Collins wants to stay (he's said as much), and he'd love to know he's staying here for the foreseeable future.


Finally, I'd contest that 3.5 million is fair value for Collins. Granted, it's a heck of a lot of money, especially relative to what the majority of the population makes. But the past couple of years, Collins has proven he is a top 5 safety in this league - 13 INTs, 28 passes defended, 400 + INT return yards, 3 TDs.... dude has been sensational. In terms of Safeties getting paid, Collins is in the conversation of top 5 Safties in the league in terms of production... he deserves to be paid like one too based on his play and what the market has determined to be fair value for top safties.


Personally, I think when Sharper gets his contract you have to think Collins will at least command that much. Wonder if Ted will be willing to go that high.


Still, even if he does hold out from OTAs and mandatory mini-camps... it's not the end of the world. I'd personally prefer to get as much a look as possible at other Safties that will be on the roster, and to provide any rookie(s) we draft at the position as much experience and exposure as possible. Collins being out would allow that.

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This is a bluff!!! Ok, let's see. Hold out a year and not make a several million in the year in front of a possible lock-out/strike. No way any serious financial advisor would let him do this. He risks not getting paid for two years........BS!

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Highest paid safety makes about 7 to 7.5 million. He'll make less than that.

I compare this to Greg Jennings from a year ago. GB didn't have to sign Jennings, but they did, because it was the best thing from a franchise and player standpoint. The media is making a big of a deal over this because they can. Again, Jennings was extended in the Summer of last year. Collins seems to fall in that category this Summer.

Nobody will give a first and third for him either.

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I expect Collins to make a top five salary for his position and get resigned this year. I really hope it doesn't go to a hold out.

Why? 2 straight Pro Bowls. The year before, #1 in the NFL in INT yards and INT TDs. Last year, 6 INTs and 110 INT return yards. Like it or not, the NFL loves turnover generators and Collins is a turnover generator. He's like a young Darren Sharper.

If I were TT, I'd have a talk with him and tell him he'll get paid and give examples. We tend to pay players who produce.

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