AP Photo/Lon Horwedel
According to ESPN's Field Yates, the New England Patriots are "working towards a contract" with Jamie Collins. This is after Collins was released by Detroit Lions as a veteran linebacker.
Collins was a part of the Lions' two-game season. He had 10 tackles and a fumble recovery. However, the team began to explore possible trades after Week 2. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the team started looking into potential trades. Before being released, he was not allowed to play in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens.
This is a disappointing outcome for a player who signed an all-year contract worth $30 million in 2020. The deal brought the 31-year old back together with Matt Patricia, the Patriots' defensive coordinator. However, he was fired after a disappointing 4-7 season.
Collins was a good player on the field in his first year. He led Detroit with 101 tackles in the 14 games of 2020. Collins also had one sack and one interception, as well as three forced fumbles.
Detroit was last in the NFL for both yards and allowed points, which required significant changes across the roster.
After proving himself to be an impact player with the Patriots, Collins now has a chance for a fresh start. Collins was a Pro Bowler in 2015 and second-team All-Pro in 2015. He was a versatile player who excelled against the pass and run. In 2019, he also set a new career record with seven sacks.
New England hopes he can return to his former form for the remainder of 2021. This would put him in the spot where he has had the most success in the course of his career.
