Last month, the New England Patriots decided to bring back linebacker Jamie Collins, signing him to a one-year deal.
Well, apparently, Collins has been so impressive since arriving back in New England that Mike Reiss of ESPN.com has named him the biggest offseason standout for the Patriots.
Reiss notes that it was initially assumed that Collins would have to fight for a roster spot, but now, it looks like he will be a key piece in a Patriots linebacking corps that also includes Dont'a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Ja'Whaun Bentley and Elandon Roberts.
Collins spent the first three-and-a-half years of his career with the Patriots before being traded to the Cleveland Browns midway through the 2016 campaign. During his first stint in New England, he made the Pro Bowl in 2015 after registering 89 tackles, 5.5 sacks, an interception, five forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, six passes defended and a defensive touchdown.
He then spent two-and-a-half disappointing seasons with the Browns, playing in just six games in 2017 as a result of injuries. He signed a four-year, $50 million extension with Cleveland in 2017, but he never lived up to it.
Most recently, he appeared in all 16 contests with the Browns this past season, finishing with 104 tackles, four sacks, a pick, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and four passes defended.
Cleveland went on to release him back in March.
Meanwhile, the Pats are coming off of a 2018 campaign in which they won 11 games and captured their 10th straight AFC East division title. They then proceeded to win their sixth Super Bowl.
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