Cut his losses? I think you have it wrong.
Collins and Jones are legit players in the NFL and would be solid contributors to any team. If there were no cap, I think BB would probably have preferred to keep them both. Luckily (for us as Pats fans) there is a cap, and our GM has singularly mastered how to manage it.
With the Pats, players are well coached, surrounded by quality teammates, and positioned to succeed. If Jamie Collins seems to be struggling to perform in Cleveland, realize it is Cleveland.
What we're seeing with Van Noy filling for Collins isn't proof that Collins was overrated all along...it's more analogous to the coaching staff preparing Brissett on a short week to step in and fill for Garropolo.
Good players leave here and become mediocre elsewhere all the time--Deon Branch, Patrick Chung, Green-Ellis. And mediocre players come here and become studs--Wes Welker, Rob Ninkovich, Mike Vrabel, Chris Hogan.
Not a knock on those players. Just part of the local genius.