Detroit Lions linebacker Jamie Collins did not practice Wednesday, and he may not be practicing for the Lions again this season. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Lions are exploring trade options for Collins. Head coach Dan Campbell substantiated that report at his press conference Thursday, noting that Collins is not with the team and will not be in the building while trade discussions are ongoing. Campbell added the club hopes to have something done sooner than later -- "we have suitors right now," he said -- while praising Collins for his attitude throughout the process and past contributions in this league.
Mike Garafolo notes that the 31-year-old restructured his salary in March, which makes him easier to deal. Collins signed a three-year deal with the Lions ahead of the 2020 season, and he is due to make $3.8 million in base salary this year, according to Spotrac. He has recorded 10 combined tackles, one tackle for loss and a fumble recovery in two games played this season but struggled on "Monday Night Football" against the Green Bay Packers, as he was beaten off the edge a couple times and struggled in coverage.
Following the 35-17 loss, Campbell was asked about Collins and if criticisms directed towards his play were legitimate.
"I mean, look, Jamie is a big linebacker. He's a very athletic linebacker. And ... you know, the way he moves is a little bit different," Campbell said, via Chris Burke of The Athletic. "Now, (do I think) he moves with the same effort as (Alex Anzalone)? No, I don't. I think Alex just plays at a high level all the time -- that's him, that's how he goes.
"There's things that Jamie does well that we have to continue to use. He's still a mismatch on third down, particularly in the rush game. And, you know, we'll see where this goes."
Another reason the Lions are reportedly shopping Collins is because they have a younger replacement in Derrick Barnes, who they selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Purdue.
"Jamie had some mistakes," Campbell said Tuesday, via the Detroit Free Press. "It wasn't certainly his best performance. And yeah, I think Barnes deserves a shot."
Apart from the Lions, Collins has played with the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns. He won Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots to wrap up the 2014 season and was a Pro Bowler in 2015. Collins led the Lions with 101 combined tackles last season, but it appears he's on the way out of town.
Is Jared Goff the answer for the Lions? Can the team's new-look offense compete in the NFC North? Get the CBS Sports app and see the latest news, player projections, and playoff hopes for the Lions and every other team. If you have the app, set the Lions as your favorite team for lightning-fast updates.
