If the third time is truly a charm, then good things should be ahead for Jamie Collins and the Patriots.
According to Collins’ agent, David Canter, New England has signed the free agent linebacker, bringing him back to the team for a third tour of duty.
Collins was released by the Lions late last month.
The 31-year-old linebacker is a former 2013 second-round pick of the Patriots who played for New England from 2013-15 and again in 2019.
During his nine-year career Collins has also played for the Browns, where he was traded by Bill Belichick in October of 2015, and the Lions.
A former Pro Bowler, Collins had started both games he played in for the Lions early this season, after having started all 14 games he played in for Detroit a year ago.
Collins started 15 of the 16 games he played in his last season with the Patriots in 2019, notching seven sacks and three interceptions in an impressive performance.
Earlier in the day on Wednesday, New England linebacker Kyle Van Noy had good things to say about his former and now once-again teammate Collins.
“He’s a good football player. We love Jamie. And if he comes back, we can’t wait,” Van Noy said.