Jamie Collins is teaming back up with former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
This time, in Honolulu blue.
The Detroit Lions have reached an agreement with the 30-year-old linebacker, agent David Canter confirmed Monday evening. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, it is a three-year, $30 million pact for Collins that includes $18 million fully guaranteed.
Last May, Collins returned to the Patriots on a one-year deal following his release from the Cleveland Browns. Pick No. 52 overall in the 2013 NFL draft had been traded away in the final year of his rookie contract with New England. And Collins’ way back brought 81 tackles, including 10 for loss, over 15 starts by the close of December.
The regular season brought a career-high seven sacks, three interceptions and one touchdown for the Southern Mississippi product.
Collins would also tie for the team lead with a trio of forced fumbles.
His exit marks the second for New England at the linebacker level since the NFL’s legal-tampering period opened. In the hours prior, Kyle Van Noy reconvened with head coach Brian Flores’ Miami Dolphins on a reported four-year contract worth $51 million with $30 million guaranteed.
The 2020 league year officially begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.