The Detroit Lions announced today that they would be releasing veteran linebacker, Jamie Collins. Collins joined the Lions prior to the 2020 season and was a valuable piece to that defense. Last season he recorded 101 tackles, making that the third time he’s reached the century mark in his 9 year career. Now in his 10th year, Collins is a free agent and has full control of where he decides to go next.
Next Move
Specualtion has already begun to surface regarding Collins’ next landing spot. A few teams that have been noted are the teams he previously played for; the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns. Collins was originally drafted by the Patriots back in 2013 and has since had two separate stints with the team. Collins’ most recent season with New England was back in 2019 when he helped bolster that dominant defense. For a good part of that season, Collins was being considered a very realistic candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award. In that season, he had 81 tackles, seven sacks, and three interceptions. It was arguably his best season since being drafted.
Jamie Collins also spent three years with the Cleveland Browns. He dealt with injuries for the majority of his time in Cleveland but in his last season with the team in 2018, he recorded 104 total tackles. The linebacker group is a weak spot in the Browns’ current roster and if the money makes sense, they would welcome him with open arms.
How It Ended
Collins will still receive his full $8.8 million salary from the Lions this season, including a $5 million signing bonus. Leading up to the Lions’ week 3 matchup against the Ravens, Collins stopped reporting to practice and team meetings. The Lions looked to trade Collins but they were unable to find a deal, which ultimately led to his release. Head coach Dan Campbell commented on the team’s decision, saying “this is what’s best for Jamie”. He expressed that Collins and the team were just not a good fit, but he now has control over his next move.
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