The New England Patriots have twice agreed to terms with former members of the team, the most recent of which welcomed the return of linebacker Jamie Collins. The Patriots have reportedly signed Collins, who was traded to the Cleveland Browns midway through the 2016 season.
“He’s excited to be back so that’s always good when the excitement is there,” Patriots safety Duron Harmon said of Collins during a media availability on Thursday. “I mean, obviously, me and Jamie came in together. We’re friends. When he went to Cleveland we stayed in contact, we kept talking, the relationship didn’t break.
“But we all know Jamie is a tremendous football player,” Harmon added. “His athletic ability is through the roof. He’s going to come in here and do what he does, earn his spot wherever it is. (He’s going to) play hard and help us try to win football games.”
Collins played three and a half seasons in New England after the Patriots drafted him in the second round in 2013. Harmon was drafted one round later.
Harmon remembers that trade in 2016 vividly.
“He made the Pro Bowl and was a second-team All Pro the year before,” Harmon said. “So, anytime that happens you’re shocked and I think more so just because it’s your friend. I think that was probably one of the first, real eye-opening experiences when I realized this is a business. Like I said, we came in together, we were great friends. He’s here one moment and the next moment he’s all the way in Cleveland.”
It makes the return all the more sweet. Harmon, like many other members of the Patriots, are looking forward to getting back to work with their former teammate after he was cut by the Browns this offseason. They’re excited for the player Collins in on the field, as well.
“His athletic ability, he knows the defense,” Harmon said. “I’m really just looking forward to seeing him out there, seeing him play with us again, building that chemistry.”
