Dec 21, 2019; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Dont’a Hightower (54) jumps on outside linebacker Jamie Collins (58) and middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) after stopping the Buffalo Bills on a fourth down late in the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots have considered yet another reunion with a familiar face at linebacker.

Jamie Collins visited the Pats as a free agent on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. There has yet to be any new reports of a deal, as of this writing. But if the Patriots do re-sign Collins, it will be a continuation of the veteran linebacker’s third stint with the team.

That is, unless you consider 2022 separate from 2021. Collins began last season with the Detroit Lions before being released in September. He re-signed with the Pats soon after that. Collins also played the 2019 season in New England, and was originally a second-round pick of the Patriots in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Sports Hub Patriots Podcast | Week 2 Reactions

(Click here to subscribe to Patriots Audio on 98.5 The Sports Hub.)

The practice squad can’t be ruled out for Collins. New England recently brought back veteran tackle Marcus Cannon for his second stint, as part of that group.

Under practice squad rules for 2022, teams are allowed to carry up to six players with no limitations on accrued seasons. That would allow them to add Collins to the squad along with Cannon and veteran cornerback Terrance Mitchell, linebacker Harvey Langi, and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.

However, the Patriots’ practice squad currently stands at the maximum 16 players. So if they want to add Collins, they’ll need to make a corresponding move.

The Patriots moved on from Collins, Dont’a Hightower, and Kyle Van Noy in favor of more youth at linebacker ahead of 2022. Matthew Judon is now the elder statesman of the position at age 30, followed by 26-year-old Ja’Whaun Bentley and Raekwon McMillan.

We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the Patriots’ moves here at 985TheSportsHub.com. Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at [email protected].