In 2016, the New England Patriots shipped off one of their starting linebackers. After earning a Pro-Bowl and second-team All-Pro nod in 2015, Jamie Collins was on the verge of a massive contract the Patriots couldn't give them, so they let the Cleveland Browns do it in return for a second-round selection. After two and a half seasons as a Browns starter, Collins was cut and found himself back in New England.
After about a week of training camp, Collins is earning praise from head coach Bill Belichick, as he said, via the Boston Herald.
“He’s been great. He had a great spring. He’s had a good training camp. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do and he’s done it well. Glad we have him. I think he’ll help our team.”
For Collins, approval from an all-time great coach is important to him, even if he once traded him. He also sees the trade, and his former team, as in the past. He's a Patriot.
“From him, man, that’s music to my ears, man. It’s an honor to get that type of response from him, and I really do appreciate it. That just makes me feel better and makes me want to come to work even more. Cleveland’s the past. Cleveland’s the past. I’m here. I’m in New England. I’m playing back here. I’d rather focus on right now.”
It's unknown if Collins will fully regain his starting job, but he's bound to play an impactful role in New England. Alongside Dont'a Hightower, the team now has a pair of linebackers that started for them in Super Bowl XLIX (2014-15).
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