New England Patriots Rumors: Why Jamie Collins is worth another shot
With the release of linebacker Jamie Collins from the Cleveland Browns, rumors instantly surfaced about a reunion with the New England Patriots.
Versatile linebacker Jamie Collins wanted the New England Patriots to show him the money and Bill Belichick showed him the door.
Well, that was not exactly the reason the Patriots shocked the NFL world and traded Collins to the Cleveland Browns during the 2016 NFL season, but it played a huge role in a decision that many fans and critics shaking their heads at the time.
The athleticism and upside of Collins along with his versatility had Jamie Collins on the verge of being a major star in New England. He was a player who seemed to do everything the team asked. He played in coverage, he rushed the passer, he had speed and more importantly he was able to defend against the run. Putting it all together in his 2015 season, Collins earned a Pro Bowl selection.
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Besides the potential of a big contract, why would Belichick trade Collins for a third-round pick?
Well, rumors surfaced that Collins did too much free lancing on the field. Simply, when players fail to do their job, no matter how much talent they have, Belichick gets rid of them.
So, the trade to Cleveland happened and Collins got his big pay day, signing a four-year deal worth $50 million. Set to make $10 million in 2019, the Browns released Collins just days ago making him a free agent.
Should Belichick mend fences with Collins?
Now 29 and experiencing life outside of the Patriot Way, is a reunion with the New England Patriots something both sides should even consider?
The answer is yes.
Why?
An older and more mature Jamie Collins could be a better fit in New England this time around. He has earned his big pay day and has experienced losing. His time in Cleveland should have shown him that teamwork on and off the field is the true value to winning.
In 16 games last season with the Browns, Collins led the team with 104 tackles. He had four sacks, seven QB hits, an interception along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. That same athleticism and versatility he showed with the Patriots early in his career is still there. This time around, he would not take the formula to winning for granted.
Everyone deserves a second chance
Before assuming he has burned his bridges in New England, let’s remember that Patrick Chung left for a while and returned. Also, the team did also bring back Brandon Spikes before an off-the-field incident ended his second time around with the team before it started.
The difference with those two players is that they left via free agency and Collins was traded, but time away could heal wounds. It also depends on how much Jamie Collins demand on the market. He may be willing to return for less with a shot to earn another ring.
As far as the New England Patriots need at the position, they do have Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts and promising second-year linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. Collins would add depth, but more importantly, he could be a security blanket for Hightower who has an injury history and has shown signs of slowing down.
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Jamie Collins could also allow the team to use Hightower more as an edge rusher. Of course, this all depends on whether the New England Patriots feel Collins has changed his ways and matured.
In all, it is worth paying a player to fit in the system that they already know. It would just be a matter of how much Collins wants his talents utilized at this point in his career.