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Cleveland Browns linebacker Jamie Collins on the practice field Wednesday Nov, 2, 2016 after being traded from the New England Patriots. (Frame grab by Dave Andersen)

(Dave Andersen)

BEREA, Ohio -- New Browns linebacker Jamie Collins said he never asked for "Von Miller money" and also that it's more of a family atmosphere here than in New England.

"I don't know nothing about Von Miller money,'' he said during his introductory locker room interview Wednesday. "Nothing. It never came out of my mouth, never. Let's be smart. Let's all have some common sense.''

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Collins was asking the Patriots for a deal similar to that of Denver's Miller, who averages more than $19 million a year. Collins, more of a coverage linebacker to this point, has 10.5 sacks over the past 3.5 seasons, while Miller averages almost 14 a year for the Broncos when healthy.

Collins, whose rookie contract expires after this season, also said he didn't receive an offer of $11 million a year from the Patriots, which has been reported.

"I didn't get anything,'' he said.

He added that there's more of a family feel here than in New England, and was already joking around with teammates.

"It's a different level,'' he said.

He was a man of few words during his almost eight-minute interview, but some of them packed a wallop.

Here are some other highlights:

* On the trade: "Business is business. I was surprised."

* Understand it? "I don't, but it's out of my control. I don't make the calls.''

* Did he leave on good terms with Bill Belichick: "I leave anywhere with good terms with anybody. Like I said, I'm not stressing over nobody, no one. Not me.''

* Did he receive an explanation from the Patriots: "No. I get the news and I move on. I'm not the type to pout about nothing.''

* How long did the surprise last?: "Oh, 10 minutes. 10 minutes. Woke up, got the feeling and it was over with. I'm on to Cleveland. Yeah-ha.

* Was he 'freelancing' on the field, as Mike Lombardi claimed? "I don't know. That's what the coaches do. I just come out here and I do what I've got to do."

* On if he'll sign an extension with the Browns: "I'm here now. This is my home for right now, so I'm going to play like this is my home. This is my focus."

* Set to be a free agent in March, is he auditioning for 30 other teams? "Yeah, that's what we do, every player anyway. I'm good with that too. I'm just blessed to be in the position I'm in."

* On his first impression of the Browns: "It's a family around here, definitely. You can talk to anyone around here, any of these guys, they're close, you're going to feel welcome."

* More of a family feel than in New England?: "Yeah, it's a different level."

* Given that, is he happier about the trade? "I'm the same person. I'm going to be the same person. It all comes back to me. I'm going to do what I've got to do regardless of any situation, any situation. I'm going to always be me. Always."

* Was he playing at high level: "Yeah."

* On his work ethic: "I'm a workaholic. I'm going to give you what I've got every game, every day regardless.''

* On going from a Super Bowl contender to a winless team: "I've been there before (with an 0-12 team at Southern Miss). I know how to handle the situation. I'm up for the challenge. I've been here before, so this is really no big deal. The only thing going through my mind was just transferring up here and all my personal belongings."

* On becoming the cornerstone of the defense: "I'm going to come in here and do what I've got to do. It's my job and I'm coming here to win. I'm going to give my all like I always do. This is my new home and I'm ready."

* On where he'll fit in: "Wherever they put me in, I'm good to go. I'm new here, so I'll just get in where I fit in."

* On how quickly he can get up to speed: "I'll get in there pretty quick."

* If he'd like to rush the passer more: "Whatever the situation is, whatever it is. I don't care if I'm rushing or covering or blitzing, it don't matter to me, man."

* On his dealings with Hue Jackson: "It's all been pretty good. Positive and helpful.''