Reports: Patriots nearing deal to bring back LB Jamie Collins

The Patriots are nearing a deal to bring back linebacker Jamie Collins for his third go-round with the team, according to reports.

Collins was released by Detroit on Sept. 28, after the team could not find a trade partner.

The 31-year-old linebacker, a second-round pick of the Patriots in 2013, obviously knows the system and would add depth at linebacker.

With both Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy off to slow starts, and Ja’Whaun Bentley missing the Bucs game with an injury, the addition of Collins makes sense.

Last season, in 14 games with the Lions playing for Matt Patricia, he recorded 101 tackles (55 solo, 46 assisted) with six pass defenses. He also had one interception, three forced fumbles, six tackles for loss and one sack.

Collins played in the first two games for the Lions this season, but the team apparently wanted to get younger.

Collins has basically yo-yoed between back and forth with the Patriots. He spent the first three-plus seasons of his career in Foxboro before being traded to Cleveland during the 2016 season. He returned to the Patriots after being released March 2019.

He signed a three-year deal with the Lions last year as a free agent, and now appears headed back.

ESPN’s Field Yates and CLNS’ Evan Lazar both reported news that the Patriots were close to a deal with Collins.

 

 

 

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3uGrsqA