Browns, Maliek Collins Agree To Extension

Collins agreed to a two-year extension on Saturday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter report. This is a two-year deal worth $30MM. It includes $23MM in guarantees.

Collins had been a pending free agent. Instead, he will now be under team control through 2028 as a result of this new deal. A notable raise has been worked out, with Collins having inked a two-year, $20MM contract in free agency last spring.

A quad injury ended the veteran’s debut campaign in Cleveland. Collins was unable to participate in OTAs or minicamp, and he began training camp on the reserve/PUP list. Activation did not take place in his case until late August, but the 31-year-old has been able to play in all six games so far in 2026. Cleveland will count on continued availability for the remainder of this season and beyond.

As expected, Collins operated as a full-time starter during his first Browns season. The former sixth-rounder set a new career high with 6.5 sacks despite being limited to just 12 games. Collins has picked up where he left off early in 2026, already notching 3.5 sacks and eight QB pressures this fall. Provided that level of production continues, an early extension will prove to be worthwhile for the Browns.

Cleveland’s defensive front lost Myles Garrett this offseason, leaving plenty of need in the pass rush department for trade acquisition Jared Verse but also returnees such as Collins. The Nebraska product has helped the Browns rank fifth in scoring defense en route to a 4-2 start. Cleveland has racked up 19 sacks even without Garrett in the fold, and strong play along the interior could particularly help compensate for his absence.

Mason Graham was also off to an encouraging start until he suffered a knee injury. Last year’s No. 5 pick is in place with Cleveland through at least 2028, while the Browns could retain him further via the fifth-year option. Graham will be cost-controlled through the length of this new Collins accord.