Report: Former All-Pro to return to New England Patriots

A report on Tuesday states that a former All-Pro linebacker is set to make his return to the New England Patriots pending a deal being finalized. ESPN’s Field Yates announced that the Patriots were looking to bring back Jamie Collins for his third stint on their roster.

Former New England Patriot returning

“A reunion in the making: the Patriots are working towards a deal with free agent linebacker Jamie Collins to bring him back for his third stint with the team, per source. Collins should be able to contribute right away given his familiarity with the system.”

Collins began his career with New England after being drafted in 2013 in the second round. In 2015, Collins was named All-Pro after recording 5.5 sacks and forcing five fumbles.

His next destination would be the Cleveland Browns, where he played three seasons until returning to New England in 2019. Collins has spent his last two seasons playing for the Detroit Lions, and if the Patriots can finish a deal he would put on a Patriots uniform for the third time in his career.

The move makes sense for a Patriots team that has been struggling at the linebacker position, and adding a veteran piece that knows their defensive system would help them improve.

“The Patriots haven’t gotten enough plays from the linebacker level this season, with the exception of Matthew Judon,” explained NFL Network’s Mike Giardi on the move. “A reunion with Jamie Collins would give them more speed and perhaps take snaps from Kyle Van Noy. Van Noy was solid in [the] opener but [his] last two games have been a struggle.”

Mac Jones stepping up

During Tom Brady’s return to New England on Sunday, rookie quarterback Mac Jones threatened to steal the headlines with his impressive performance. New Patriots quarterback Mac Jones completed 19 straight passes Sunday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the most by a rookie quarterback over the past 30 seasons.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Jones was 28-for-35 with 252 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. On a night many expected the Patriots to lean on the running game, they went almost exclusively with the passing game and trusting in Jones.

Mac Jones is not the only Patriot throwing the ball well, his 103.8 quarterback rating ranks second on the team behind wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, despite the 19 straight passes. Meyers is 2-for-2 with 45 yards on a pair of trick plays, with seven receptions for 63 yards.

On3’s James Fletcher III contributed to this article.