Linebacker Jamie Collins will be on the move this season as part of the Detroit Lions restructuring under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes.
Campbell mentioned his preference in fielding a younger defensive unit that can develop together into an elite group.
The 10-year veteran signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Lions in 2020 when Matt Patricia was still the head coach.
The #Lions are exploring trade options involving LB Jamie Collins, sources say. They have fielded calls. Detroit is going young there, which means Collins may be on his way out if there is a match.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2021
Patricia would know him well because he had three stints with the New England Patriots before joining the Lions.
Last season, Collins had 101 tackles, one sack, one interception, and three forced fumbles in 14 games played.
The former Southern Mississippi standout also has 10 tackles and a fumble recovery in the 2021 NFL season.
Collins also played for the Cleveland Browns from 2016 to 2018 before making his second return to Foxborough.
Bill Belichick monitoring the Jamie Collins situation ⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZKI6CCXwRF
— Pierre (@DLFPtweets) September 22, 2021
At age 31, Collins still has a lot to offer on defense, and multiple teams will bid for his services.
However, here are his likely destinations after his exit from Motor City, his home for two seasons and change.
These franchises range from legitimate contenders to teams wherein Collins will make a huge difference.
3. New York Giants
New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham knows Collins very well because of their two seasons together in New England.
Graham won’t hesitate to bring his old student to the Meadowlands because the Giants’ linebacker depth chart is shallow.
However, Blake Martinez might move to strong side linebacker as Collins takes the weak side linebacker position.
The New York Giants are:
🔹 0-2 for the 5th straight year
🔹 0-2 for the 8th time in 9 years
🔹4-18 in Weeks 1 and 2 since 2011 pic.twitter.com/5JpzdRl2nW— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 17, 2021
It’s hard to see Tae Crowder or Lorenzo Carter outperforming Collins.
Likewise, he can be a difference-maker for the Giants as they contend for a relatively easy NFC East title.
Unfortunately, the Giants must clear some cap room to accommodate Collins’ salary.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers can’t afford a down season because 2021 could be Ben Roethlisberger’s swan song from the NFL.
Sadly, his capability might deteriorate as the season progresses, giving their defense the heavy burden of carrying them to victory.
But the Steelers defense is facing much uncertainty after injuries to T.J. Watt, Tyson Alualu, and Devin Bush.
Bengals Week #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/NEqEkhPAis
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 22, 2021
Therefore, Pittsburgh badly needs help on defense, especially when they will go up against division rivals Cleveland, Baltimore, and Cincinnati.
Salary cap constraints are hindering the Steelers from making a move.
However, the Steelers can use the extra man on defense given the injuries to their personnel.
1. Denver Broncos
Surprisingly, the Denver Broncos have one of the better defensive units in the NFL.
They have Justin Simmons and Patrick Surtain II in the secondary, while Von Miller hunts the opposing team’s quarterback.
However, they badly need help at linebacker after losing inside linebacker Josey Jewell to injuries.
Jowell is in injured reserve due to a pectoral injury, while Chubb underwent a pectoral surgery.
Finishing touches. 🤩
Field prep 📸's » https://t.co/d3YYH7sRCd pic.twitter.com/qoUhKHLwLX
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 24, 2021
There’s no timetable for Chubb and Jewell’s return, which opens the opportunity for Collins to continue his NFL career.
He may not be as talented as those two, but Denver will be better off having him as a stop-gap solution.
Likewise, the Broncos have the cap space to absorb Collins’ salary for 2021.
Acquiring Collins may help Denver maintain their undefeated record after two assignments.
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royhobbs7 says
The Giants aren’t signing anyone of quality at this point. Why? They’re only going to lose double-digit games this year. One player will not make a difference!