The New England Patriots won’t be the only interested party in linebacker Jamie Collins, who looked like a Defensive Player of the Year candidate after eight weeks. The New Orleans Saints are expected to pursue Collins, if he hits free agency, according to The Athletic.
The Patriots did not meet with Collins’ agent at the NFL combine, but there is mutual interest in his return to New England. Still, New England got him at a discounted price in 2019. It’s likely he’ll cost much more after a strong season with the Patriots, who had a top-five defense in just about every category.
Here’s what The Athletic’s Larry Holder reported on Collins and the Saints:
“The Saints are historically aggressive at filling needs at linebacker through free agency as well. One name to keep an eye on: Jamie Collins. Interest will be there from the Saints for the veteran linebacker following one of his best seasons in New England after veering off two years in Cleveland.”
He finished the season with 81 tackles, seven sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, seven pass deflections and a touchdown on 80% of defensive snaps. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore was the team’s defensive MVP, but Collins was a major contributor to the Patriots impressive first half of the season. He did fade slightly as the season wore on. It’s not totally clear why that production and play time dipped.
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