It’s a shame that the New England Patriots, a team with defensive-minded head coach Bill Belichick, rank 19th in yards allowed per game with 346.8.
They are also ranked 26th in rushing yards allowed (135.8) and 22nd in points allowed (22.5) per game.
Their defensive struggles are one factor for New England’s 1-3 record to start the 2022 NFL season.
For that reason, they will bring back one of their former players.
The Patriots are expected to sign LB Jamie Collins, per sources.
There are dual options for them to bring him aboard initially – active roster or practice squad – but he is anticipated to join the team in some capacity.
Patriots eyeing improved LB play.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 3, 2022
ESPN NFL Nation reporter Mike Reiss tweeted, “The Patriots are expected to sign LB Jamie Collins, per sources. There are dual options for them to bring him aboard initially – active roster or practice squad – but he is anticipated to join the team in some capacity. Patriots eyeing improved LB play.”
There’s no word yet whether the former Southern Mississippi standout will sign with the Patriots’ practice squad or their active 53-man roster.
Collins last played for the Patriots in 2021, appearing in ten games and starting two.
He finished that stint for New England with three pass deflections, three tackles for losses, one sack, and an interception.
He was part of the squad that won Super Bowl XLIX and was a Second-Team All-Pro member in 2015.
He also made the Pro Bowl and led the league in forced fumbles in the same year.
Third Tour Of Duty For Collins In New England
The Patriots selected him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and he stayed with the squad until 2016.
He was traded to the Cleveland Browns a year later and played there for three seasons.
Collins re-signed with New England after getting released by the Browns in 2019.
A year later, he joined Matt Patricia with the Detroit Lions and stayed there for two seasons.
Collins has 199 forced fumbles, 26.5 sacks, 64 tackles for loss, and 12 interceptions in 122 career games.
NEXT: Mac Jones Is Somehow Practicing This Week