The Patriots signed veteran linebacker Jaime Collins for a fourth time yesterday. Collins was not re-signed this past off-season after the team opted to get younger and faster on defense. The younger and faster experiment is in a holding pattern however after Collins was signed to the practice squad.

The Patriots drafted in the second round of the 2013 draft. A former strong safety out of Southern Miss, Collins went on to become one of the most versatile linebackers in the NFL. In his prime, he was a three down player who can run, blitz and cover in man to man. While he might not be the athlete that he once was, Collins can still be effective in the Patriots system because he knows it.

To make room for Collins, the Patriots cut veteran linebacker Harvey Langi. Linebacker has been a bit of a sore spot thus far this season. The linebackers struggled at times in camp but looked breaking camp. That hasn’t been the case thus far as they have routinely struggled in coverage and stopping the run.

The hope that Collins will add some experience and stability to the room. He can play SAM or WILL and line up in various spots in a front. His ability to play in multiple packages will certainly be an asset. As will his leadership something this Patriots front seven desperately needs right now.

It will be interesting to see if the Patriots also check in on Dont’a Hightower as well. Hightower has clearly lost a step but he was a valued member of the Patriots defense for ten seasons and his versatility and leadership are sorely missed. Hightower has been working out and he is ready to come back if the team needs him. These next six games will determine the Patriots season and in many ways, they could be the deciding factor if the Patriots are going to reunite two-thirds of the Boogeymen.