According to ESPN, the New England Patriots and linebacker Jamie Collins have agreed to a deal that brings Collins back to the Patriots for the third time. Shortly after the Stephon Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers, Collin’s agent tweeted the announcement Wednesday evening.
THE RETURN Part III. Congratulations @GSEworldwide client Jamie Collins pic.twitter.com/II8n16VHMe
— David Canter (@davidcanter) October 6, 2021
The Detroit Lions released Collins after the team couldn’t find any trade value for him. The Patriots drafted Jamie Collins in the second round, eventually traded him to the Cleveland Browns in 2016. He then returned to play-back with New England in 2019. Collins went on to sign a three-year deal with the Detroit Lions as a free agent in 2020.
The Pats plan to move defensive lineman Henry Anderson on injured reserve to help make space for Collins. The Patriots reported that Anderson sustained a chest injury during Sunday night’s defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
How Collins Benefits New England Patriots
Collins should fit right in as he joins former teammates Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy. In 2019, these three played together and Collins nicknamed the group “ The Boogeymen”. Collins is only 31, while again he should be able to contribute to the defense as they continue to struggle against the run.
The loss of linebacker Raekwon McMillan early in the year, due to a torn ACL, which hurt this linebacking corp going forward. The starting inside linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley missed this Sunday game with a shoulder injury. Considerably thin, they had no choice but to call upon Jahlani Tavai from the practice squad. The addition of Collins will give them depth and help fill that void.
The Injuries Continue
The Patriots recently just lost the left side of their offensive line for the upcoming week’s game. Isaiah Wynn and Mike Onwenu were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The team plans to open practice this week with two different players protecting rookie quarterback Mac Jones.
