Analysis: Wondering what Jamie Collins brings (back) to the Patriots

A Jamie Collins reunion with the Patriots? Further proof you should never say never.

The linebacker was dealt away at the 2016 trade deadline, unceremoniously shipped to Cleveland. There were whispers the hyper-athletic defender was freelancing too much, going off-script and drawing the ire of the coaching staff as a result. As a result, he went from a team that ended up winning a Super Bowl to one that finished 1-15.

(UPDATE, 5:08 p.m.: Per a league source, Collins has agreed to a deal with the Patriots.)

Now, after two-plus years with the Browns, Collins — a free agent — is ready for a return to Foxborough. What would Jamie Collins 2.0 look like with the Patriots?



For New England, his addition would bring an interesting dynamic to one of the deepest positions on the roster. The Patriots are heading into 2019 with Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Elandon Roberts at linebacker, as well as Christian Sam (who spent all of last year on IR). Barring injury, that’s as deep a group as you’ll find on the roster, maybe outside of cornerback. So where could Collins fit?

The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder, who will turn 30 in October, remains something of a chess piece, a defensive presence who can line up at multiple spots and create pressure in a variety of ways. (He was only one of four players in the NFL between 2013 and 2016 to have at least 12 sacks and five interceptions — Lavonte David, Thomas Davis and Lawrence Timmons were the other three.)

The feeling here is that considering the depth chart and his skill set, he’s probably best suited as a coverage linebacker, someone who can run with tight ends (don’t worry, Patriots fans — Owen Daniels is retired) and backs in the passing game. That doesn’t mean that’s his only trait, but just that’s where he could flourish when you think about the rest of the New England defense, and the linebacking corps in particular.

One more note: His versatility, as well as the skill set of some of the other front seven defenders, could also allow the Patriots to utilize Hightower as a part-time edge presence/rush end. That could theoretically open up some snaps in various packages for the likes of Collins as well. It’s worth noting that Collins remains a healthy presence — he played 91 percent of the snaps last season for Cleveland, an impressive total for any defender in his late 20s.

Ultimately, the only question here (other than making the money work) might be whether or not he’s managed to learn from his perceived missteps in New England. If that’s the case, a reunion could give the Patriots’ defense another versatile presence, and give the linebacker a fresh start in some familiar surroundings.