Patriots sign LB Jamie Collins

The Patriots have officially signed Jamie Collins, according to agent David Canter (Twitter link). This marks the linebacker’s third stint in New England, where he’ll also reunite with longtime coach Matt Patricia.

The Lions cut Collins in late September when they couldn’t find a suitable trade for him. Clearly, his stock has cooled, but he’s just two years removed from a standout season with the Pats. He used that year as a springboard to a three-year, $30M deal in free agency with the Lions under the Patricia-Bob Quinn power structure.

The Lions ate $11M+ in dead money by cutting the soon-to-be 32-year-old — the Pats are going to be paying him a whole lot less. It was a similar story last time around — the Browns cut Collins after paying him big bucks; the Patriots brought him back on a cheap one-year pact.

Collins made the Pro Bowl in 2015 with 5.5 sacks and an NFL-high five fumbles for the Patriots. The Southern Miss product later turned in a seven-sack 2019. He’ll now try to turn back the clock with the Patriots, who traded Stephon Gilmore to the Panthers on Wednesday.