Jamie Collins Contract: Latest News, Rumors on LB's Negotiations with Patriots

New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins is entering a contract year in 2016, but his future with the team beyond this next season has yet to be discussed.

Continue for updates.

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Collins, Patriots Haven't Started Negotiations

Tuesday, March 15

Bleacher Report insider Jason Cole reported the buzz on Collins, who had 89 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception in 12 games last season.   

Considering Collins is one of the most versatile and dynamic linebackers in all of football, talks between him and the Pats figure to begin sooner rather than later.

What's transpired on Tuesday may be the catalyst for the team making Collins a more instant priority. ESPN's Adam Schefter and Dianna Marie Russini reported that New England traded star pass-rusher Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals for a second-round pick and offensive lineman Jonathan Cooper.

Sportsnet's Jeff Simmons weighed in on the big-splash trade:

Jones was on deck for a massive payday, so now that he's out of the picture, the Pats can zero in on the likes of Collins and linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who's also entering the final year of his rookie deal. Cole reported New England hasn't started contract talks with Hightower either.

Per Spotrac, releasing now-retired linebacker Jerod Mayo cleared $7 million of cap space for 2016. Mayo was a key cornerstone in New England, but his loss makes it all the more imperative for the Patriots to retain Collins and Hightower.

Head coach Bill Belichick has been savvy in constructing a cost-effective roster built around legendary quarterback Tom Brady.

The signal-caller makes up for a lot of the Pats' faults, but Collins is an indispensable pillar of the defense who should ultimately make among the most in the NFL at his position.