After allowing 5.7 yards per carry against the Packers on Sunday, the Patriots are adding some help at linebacker. The team is re-signing Jamie Collins, as first reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. No details of the contract have been released.
Collins is no stranger to the Patriots. They drafted him in the second round in 2013, and he played two-plus seasons in New England before being traded during the 2016 season. He’s returned twice since in free agency, once in 2019 and then again last season. Last year he played in 10 games for the Patriots, starting two, recording 20 tackles, a sack, an interception and three pass breakups.
The Patriots are expected to sign LB Jamie Collins, per sources.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 3, 2022
There are dual options for them to bring him aboard initially - active roster or practice squad - but he is anticipated to join the team in some capacity.
Patriots eyeing improved LB play.Collins’ contract expired at the end of last season. He’s been unsigned since, but did meet with the Raiders in addition to the Patriots.
Now, Collins steps into what is a much younger linebacker room the Patriots have assembled this season. At 32 years old with 10 years of NFL experience, he likely jumps right into a leadership role.
As for Collins’ role on the field, his versatility makes him a fit in a number of spots. Linebackers Raekwon McMillan, Mac Wilson, and Jahlani Tavai have all seen their roles reduced in recent weeks, and Collins could step in to any of their spots.
The Patriots currently have an open spot on their roster after placing Yodny Cajuste on IR last week, so they wouldn’t need to open up a roster spot to make the Collins signing official. However, the team is currently lacking depth at both quarterback and offensive tackle, so there could be multiple moves coming this week. Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is also eligible to come off IR, but is still in the very early end of his return-to-play window.
UPDATE: The Patriots announced they signed Collins to the practice squad, releasing Harvey Langi to make room. They still have an open spot on the active roster.
Jamie Collins’ career stats
Fumb Tack Year Age Tm G GS Int PD FF FR Sk Comb Solo Ast TFL QBHits Awards 2013 24 NWE 16 8 0 4 0 1 0.0 43 24 19 2 3 2014 25 NWE 15 15 2 3 4 2 4.0 115 74 41 8 10 2015* 26 NWE 12 12 1 6 5 1 5.5 89 51 38 8 7 AP2, PB 2016 27 2TM 15 14 2 3 2 0 3.0 112 79 33 8 8 CLE 8 8 1 0 2.0 69 48 21 7 5 NWE 7 6 2 3 1 0 1.0 43 31 12 1 3 2017 28 CLE 6 6 1 3 1 0 1.0 31 21 10 5 2 2018 29 CLE 16 16 1 4 1 1 4.0 104 73 31 13 7 2019 30 NWE 16 15 3 7 3 1 7.0 81 58 23 10 10 2020 31 DET 14 14 1 6 3 1 1.0 101 55 46 6 3 2021 32 2TM 12 4 1 3 0 1 1.0 30 18 12 4 3 DET 2 2 0 1 0.0 10 7 3 1 1 NWE 10 2 1 3 1.0 20 11 9 3 2 Total 122 104 12 39 19 8 26.5 706 453 253 64 53 6 yr 6 yr NWE 76 58 9 26 13 5 18.5 328 207 142 32 35 3 yr 3 yr CLE 30 30 2 7 3 1 7.0 135 94 62 25 14 2 yr 2 yr DET 16 16 1 6 3 2 1.0 101 55 49 7 4 Bold indicates league leader
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/3/2022.Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
