Patriots Reportedly in Talks With Former Star Linebacker Jamie Collins

After Bill Belichick's defense made Jamie Collins a star, he fizzled out as a member of the Cleveland Browns. After just a two and a half years, Collins could already be on his way back to Massachusetts.

The New England Patriots are reportedly in talks with Collins about a potential reunion.

While the #Jets are subtracting, the #Patriots are adding: New England is in talks with free agent LB Jamie Collins that would bring the former 2nd round pick back to the team that made him a star. They traded him in 2016, likely bring him back in 2019.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 15, 2019

Selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Southern Mississippi, Collins' second and third seasons in the league were as good as any two linebackers' seasons in recent memory. He piled up 138 tackles and four sacks in 2014 while earning a Pro Bowl nod with 89 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2015.

Traded to Cleveland for a third-round pick, Collins was productive in Gregg Williams' defense, but never looked like the same player outside of the Belichick system. Collins is apparently being enticed by former Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo, who is taking a more active role on the defensive coaching staff.

My Trade deadline story on a possible Jamie Collins return. Presence of Jerod Mayo also probably enticing.. https://t.co/tJfC6iMmV2
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) May 15, 2019

What was the biggest issue for the Patriots defense last year? Linebacker. What will they do to improve that unit? Bring back Jamie Collins. How do they keep batting 1.000 in the offseason?