An old friend of the New England Patriots is on the open market. The Cleveland Browns released former Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins, and some are speculating that New England could be interested in bringing the former Super Bowl champion back to Foxboro. Collins had a fantastic tenure with the New England Patriots, although it ended on a low note. The Patriots are always looking for ways to get better, so would a Jamie Collins reunion make sense?

Pros and Cons of a Jamie Collins, New England Patriots Reunion

Why It Would Work

The New England Patriots are all about buying low on high-level talent, and Collins’ price has never been lower. Just two years removed from signing a four-year, $50 million extension, the Patriots could get Collins for pennies on the dollar. Collins has played like a replacement-level linebacker for most of the past two seasons, but he still has the athleticism to be one of the best linebackers in football.

A big reason for Collins’ drop in play is due to subpar effort on the field. Quite frankly, Collins hasn’t played with the same heart or energy ever since signing his monster deal. Seemingly content with his massive payday, Collins’ play has dipped because his motivation simply wasn’t there.

New England has a chance to invest in a highly-motivated Collins. The Patriots could sign Collins on an incentive-laden one-year deal, allowing the linebacker to re-establish his value and hit free agency again in 2020. When motivated, Collins still has the ability to play like the guy who recorded 9.5 sacks, 227 tackles, and nine forced fumbles over a two-year stretch.

For what it’s worth, the Patriots already showed at least minor interest in a reunion. According to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, New England “had internal discussions” about acquiring Collins at the 2018 trade deadline. While Howe didn’t say how in-depth these discussions were, the fact New England even considered giving up draft assets for Collins and his mammoth contract shows that the team should be interested in buying low on him in free agency.

Why It Wouldn’t Work

As great as Collins was during his time in New England, he didn’t fit New England’s culture. The ultra-talented linebacker had a knack for “freelancing” and not playing the called defense. This type of insubordination isn’t tolerated in New England and was a big reason the Patriots dealt Collins in the first place.

Signing Collins comes with a decent amount of risk. Collins’ lack of effort in Cleveland is a real red flag, and there’s a chance that the 29-year old will bring that same underwhelming effort back to New England. While it’s easy to write off the lack of effort as a byproduct for playing on an underwhelming Cleveland Browns squad, it’s entirely possible that Collins is only in it for the money. If that’s the case, Collins already has all the money he’ll ever need from his last contract.

Additionally, the Patriots are currently set at the linebacker position. Kyle Van Noy has been a godsend in New England’s linebacker corps, Dont’a Hightower is still a strong starter even if he has lost a step, and Ja’Whaun Bentley looked like the real deal during his shortened rookie season. Elandon Roberts took a big step in his third year and provides reliable depth should injury strike. Quite frankly, it’s hard to carve out anything more than a situational role for Collins in New England’s current defense.

Last Word on a Jamie Collins, New England Patriots Reunion

Everyone remembers just how good Jamie Collins with New England, and now the Patriots have a chance to get that player back for pennies on the dollar. Collins still has the ability and athleticism to be one of the best linebackers in the league, but an underwhelming two-year stint in Cleveland has torpedoed his value. New England built a dynasty on these low-cost acquisitions, and Collins could be the next major move.

Collins ended his Patriots tenure on a low note, but the Patriots aren’t morally opposed to bringing their former draft pick back to Foxboro. Collins probably doesn’t have much of a market right now, as he’s been a pedestrian linebacker for the majority of the past two seasons. He needs a chance to re-establish his value and show the world that he’s still deserving of a top contract.

Despite having a solid linebacker corps in place, New England could always use more depth. The Patriots clearly know how to maximize Collins’ ability, and every team could use that type of game-breaking talent. A one-year, incentive-laden deal makes sense for both parties.

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