NFL

Cleveland Browns Sign Defensive Tackle Maliek Collins to Two-Year Extension

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 25, 2026, 16:52 IST

The Cleveland Browns have secured defensive tackle Maliek Collins with a two-year, $30 million contract extension. The deal includes $23 million in guaranteed money, keeping the veteran lineman in Cleveland through the coming seasons.

Cleveland Browns Sign Defensive Tackle Maliek Collins to Two-Year Extension

The Cleveland Browns have solidified their defensive front by signing veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins to a two-year contract extension. The agreement, which is valued at $30 million, includes $23 million in guaranteed salary, according to reports from his agent.

Collins, 31, was previously playing under the final year of a two-year, $20 million contract that he signed in March 2025. The extension ensures his continued presence in the Browns' defensive rotation as he builds on a productive tenure with the organization.

Impact and Performance in Cleveland

Since joining the Browns, Collins has established himself as a vital component of the team's defensive scheme. During his first season in Cleveland, he recorded a career-high 6.5 sacks before his campaign was cut short by a quad injury last December. He has maintained that momentum in the current season, tallying 3.5 sacks and successfully recording at least one sack in three consecutive games.

The coaching staff has been vocal about the value Collins brings to the roster beyond his statistical output. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg praised the veteran's influence, describing him as a central figure in the team's defensive engine. Rutenberg highlighted not only Collins' aggressive play style but also his leadership qualities, noting his role in mentoring younger players and his collaborative approach with the coaching staff to optimize the defensive line's performance.

A Decade of Professional Experience

Collins entered the league as a third-round draft selection by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. Over the course of his 11-season career, he has accumulated 40.5 sacks while playing for several franchises, including the Cowboys, Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, and San Francisco 49ers. This latest commitment from the Browns highlights his continued effectiveness as a disruptive force in the interior of the defensive line.