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Trading Jamie Collins a football decision for Bill Belichick and not about money

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The Patriots' trade of Jamie Collins to Cleveland this week came as a surprise to many in the league, and spoke to the fact the linebacker -- in line for a significant payday after the season -- was not in Bill Belichick's long-term plans. The Patriots weren't going to pay what the market likely will bear for the playmaker, but that's not because they couldn't afford to.

According to NFL Management Council numbers, the Patriots are actually better set up than any team in the NFL for the 2017 offseason.