FOXBORO -- Jamie Collins looked like an All-Pro linebacker last Thursday. He was all over the field against the Texans, stuffing the run, picking off Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler, and issuing hits that helped set the tone for a defense that pitched a 27-0 shutout. All the while, he was running the defensive huddle and acting as defensive coordinator Matt Patricia's voice on the field.
His combination of size and speed, his instincts, and his ability to help get teammates lined up correctly had him looking like the kind of player who the Patriots may want in the middle of their defense for years to come. As of right now, however, Collins' future is a bit hazy. He is in the final year of his rookie contract, and he's one of several high-profile Patriots looking for a new deal.
Fellow linebacker Dont'a Hightower, defensive end Jabaal Sheard, corner Logan Ryan and safety Duron Harmon are scheduled to hit free agency after the season. Corner Malcolm Butler, meanwhile, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent.
During a rare question-and-answer session with reporters on Wednesday, Collins was asked if he felt any pressure to perform this season, knowing his deal was almost up.
"No, man," he said. "I ain't worried about none of that . . . I'm gonna come in, and I'm gonna do what I do regardless. Regardless."
Collins is an intriguing piece to Patriots coach Bill Belichick's defensive because of his combination of versatility and durability. He can cover, he can rush the passer, and he can stuff the run. But his playing style -- to knife between blockers or run by them more often that he does take them on with big collisions -- seems to have helped him stay on the field than some of the other free-agents-to-be on the roster. In four seasons, he's missed five games, and four of those came last year when he was dealing with an illness.
For an organization that values availability over ability, Collins' track record may be deemed worth a long-term investment. But just how much of an investment will the Patriots have to make to Collins in order for him to be willing to stick around.
New England Patriots
A 2015 Pro Bowler, Collins could be in line to be paid a deal that would line up with -- if not exceed -- what Lavonte David received from the Buccaneers before last season, which was a five-year deal worth $50.25 million. If the Patriots choose to apply their franchise tag to Collins, they would pay him more than $14 million guaranteed on a one-year deal, and that number would increase if the salary cap increases for 2017.
It's a fascinating decision with which the Patriots will be faced. Collins pretty clearly looks like a long-term centerpiece, but how does the team see his value, especially with so many other impact players looking for new deals as well? Collins is making just over $900,000 in base salary this season and is as deserving of a pay raise as any player on the roster.