Jamie Collins reportedly is nearing a third tour of duty with the Patriots.
New England is working toward a free agent deal with the veteran linebacker, according to multiple reports Tuesday. Field Yates of ESPN was first to break the news of a potential Collins-Patriots reunion. Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus added a deal could be completed sometime this week.
Collins was released last week by the Detroit Lions.
Collins, who turns 32 later this month, signed with the Lions after the 2019 season.
Taken 52nd overall by the Patriots in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Southern Mississippi product emerged as a star in New England over three years (winning one Super Bowl) before being shipped to Cleveland in a 2016 midseason trade. Collins signed a lucrative four-year contract with the Browns during the ensuing offseason, but flamed out after two seasons and was released in March of 2019. He signed a one-year deal with the Patriots two months later, then signed with the Lions for three years and $30 million the following season.
The Patriots will visit the Houston Texans on Sunday in a game Collins seemingly could play in if he and New England indeed agree on a contract.
Any team that signs Collins would pay a prorated amount of the $3.8 million he is due this season.
