Did Bill Belichick miss Jamie Collins? And did Collins miss Belichick?
In all likelihood, they did not miss each other. Their breakup was somewhat abrupt and dysfunctional, with former Patriots executive Michale Lombardi, now in media, burning Collins on his way out of town. Collins was a “freelancer,” Lombardi said. Belichick didn’t argue.
But that shouldn’t kill the possibility of Collins rejoining the Patriots.
There is a distinct possibility that Collins wouldn’t want to return to New England after getting shipped to Cleveland. There’s a chance Belichick shipped him to Cleveland for a reason — and he doesn’t want Collins back.
However, Collins’ value is at a significant low. If Collins wants to revive that value, he could return to where he emerged at the outset of his career. Belichick loves shopping at the free agent thrift shop. If he dusts off a player and finds a bargain, he can rarely help himself, even if that player has a history of insubordination. In Cleveland, Collins may not have been outwardly insubordinate, but he’s definitely inconsistent. Just like in New England, he had flashes of incredible ability in Cleveland. However, Collins hasn’t had the consistency he should have for a player with such a large contract.
New England has a solid group of versatile linebackers that includes Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts and Ju’Whaun Bentley. They don’t need more talent at linebacker. Still, Collins is a uniquely gifted player, and he’s still 29 years old. He has the legs to keep playing at a high level. If he can work under the rules of New England’s system, perhaps a return is in order for Collins.
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