The Patriots said farewell to cornerback Stephon Gilmore on Wednesday and they are saying welcome back to another defensive player.
Tuesday brought word that the Patriots were working on a deal with linebacker Jamie Collins and Collins’ agent announced that the deal is done on Wednesday afternoon.
Collins was a 2013 second-round pick in New England and spent three-plus seasons with the team before being traded to Cleveland. He returned to New England in 2019 as a free agent and then signed with the Lions as a free agent. The Lions released him last week after attempts to trade him proved to be fruitless.
Collins had 10 tackles and a fumble recovery in two games with the Lions this season. His familiarity with the defensive scheme in New England should help him make a quick transition back to life as a Patriot.