Jamie Collins has spent his NFL years in two drastically different organizations.
He went from being a Super Bowl contender yearly, to an 0-16 team, then right back to that same contender. His leadership and productivity on the field was in direct correlation with organization he was in. With the New England Patriots, he’s a leader prominent linebacker. With the Cleveland Browns, he recorded decent numbers when healthy, but never stepped up and played with the same energy.
Understandably, he was disappointed when Bill Belichick traded him mid-season to the winless Browns. This made his return to New England in 2019 very complicated, but all bad blood was left behind and Collins thrived in one of the NFL’s top defenses. He recorded seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and 80 tackles.
Collins, 30, is now a free agent with a career decision to make. He hit his incentives and made $3 million out of a contract that began with $250 thousand in guarantees. He also netted close to $30 million in his time with the Browns, making for a career total around $34 million.
Kyle Van Noy and Collins are two of the major defensive free agents and they both deserve top-tier money for their positions. Van Noy made it clear he’s going to get the money he deserves, even though he’d love to stay in New England. Given the Patriots’ history, it’s unlikely they cut a large check to keep him around.
So, if Van Noy walks, would it be smart for Collins to negotiate for a team-friendly contract that keeps him in this environment for at least another season?
It might be the smartest decision. Players that thrive in New England have a history of leaving and collecting large paydays. Collins is very equipped to do that right now, but his sample size is still small in his second New England tenure. If Collins stays, he could help the team compete for a championship and boost his reputation in the free agency for 2021 — he would be 31.
Dont’a Hightower and Collins would share leadership roles on and off the field for one of the most historic franchises in sports history. If he did leave this offseason for a team with a shaky culture, it’s also possible that he reverts to his role with the Browns.
These are all what ifs and Collins will be an excellent addition to any team in the NFL. But, if the Patriots were to present him a feasible short-term contract, his trajectory in the future could skyrocket.
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