Report: Patriots mulling move to reacquire Jamie Collins from Browns

The New England Patriots have internally discussed the possibility of reacquiring linebacker Jamie Collins from the Cleveland Browns, a source told The Athletic's Jeff Howe.

Collins spent the first three-plus seasons of his career with the Patriots, helping them capture Super Bowl XLIX before being traded to the Browns for a third-round pick in 2016.

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The Patriots reportedly want to improve their front seven, a unit that's been struggling this season. New England has recorded only nine sacks, and the team's run defense ranks 20th while allowing 114 yards per game. Collins has posted 55 tackles, two sacks, and one interception over eight contests with Cleveland this year.

The 29-year-old Southern Miss product signed a four-year, $50-million contract with the Browns ahead of the 2017 season and has two more campaigns left on that deal.