NFL: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

The linebacker had a career resurgence last season in New England, as part of the Patriots’ impressive defensive unit. But a team that sign Collins is going to first want to evaluate how he was used in New England and make sure that type of off-ball, athletic linebacker is a needed piece in their defense. And there is another aspect of Collins’ 2019 season to consider. Much like the Patriots themselves, Collins seemed to fade down the stretch. The bulk of his defensive production (six of his sacks, all three interceptions and two of his forced fumbles for example) came in the first half of the season. Was this due to New England’s woes as a team, or is there an underlying issue? Something else to ponder. (Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)

The linebacker had a career resurgence last season in New England, as part of the Patriots’ impressive defensive unit. But a team that sign Collins is going to first want to evaluate how he was used in New England and make sure that type of off-ball, athletic linebacker is a needed piece in their defense. And there is another aspect of Collins’ 2019 season to consider. Much like the Patriots themselves, Collins seemed to fade down the stretch. The bulk of his defensive production (six of his sacks, all three interceptions and two of his forced fumbles for example) came in the first half of the season. Was this due to New England’s woes as a team, or is there an underlying issue? Something else to ponder. (Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)