New England brought its former second-round pick back last week.

"WhitePatriots News Opinion and Analysis Contribute! FanPostsFanShotsAbout the Site List of Patriots Twitter AccountsWrite For Pats Pulpit!New User Welcome and Commenting GuideCommunity GuidelinesMastheadTopics Patriots Off-Season CoveragePatriots Opinion/AnalysisPatriots NewsPatriots Draft CoverageSportfolio ManagementNFL Free AgencyPatriots Free Agency CoveragePatriots Off-Season CoverageJamie Collins was ‘surprised’ that the Patriots brought him backNew White Marcus Cannon Jerseys ,30commentsRelated: Jamie Collins still has the tools to be successful for the PatriotsEDTShareTweetShareShareJamie Collins was ‘surprised’ that the Patriots brought him backKevin Jairaj-USA TODAY SportsLast week, the New England Patriots add to their defensive depth by re-signing a former second-round draft pick of theirs: after a two and a half year stint with the Cleveland Browns, linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. returned to the team with which he started his career. Despite Collins’ experience in the system and his upside, the reunion can still be classified as a minor surprise considering how his departure via trade went down in 2016.Count the linebacker himself among those at least somewhat surprised by the Patriots bringing him back into the fold. “I was surprised,” Collins told reporters after Thursday’s OTA practice (via NESN’s Zack Cox). “But then again, I wasn’t, because I’m just a free agent, so obviously a lot of teams are going to contact you or whatever. That’s just the business of the game. I’m always surprised no matter what. I’m surprised right now just being in the position.”Collins, of course, developed into one of the NFL’s most intriguing linebackers quickly after the Patriots drafted him 52nd overall in 2013. But while his playmaking ability and elite athletic skill set made him a star player, New England was unwilling to commit to the Southern Mississippi product for a longer term. As a result of this and a string of inconsistent performances during the 2016 season, the club traded Collins to the Browns.More Jamie Collins storiesBob DeChiara-USA TODAY SportsPatriots re-sign linebacker Jamie CollinsRe-signing linebacker Jamie Collins is a gamble worth taking for the PatriotsDetails released on Jamie Collins’s new contract with the PatriotsFilm room: Jamie Collins still has the tools to be successful for the PatriotsThe Patriots received ‘only’ a conditional third-round selection in the 2017 draft for Collins Marcus Cannon Jerseys 2019 , who went on to sign a four-year, $50 million contract with his new team the following offseason. The 29-year-old, however, is looking forward instead. It was just a change of destination,” Collins said. “I’m a professional and just have to be professional about the business. Business is business. You can’t get upset or do this or do that.”“I just tried to pick up where I left and move on. Take it to the next space no matter where it’s at. I don’t live in the past. I keep pushing to do my thing and keep going,” he continued. Now back in New England, Collins’ approach should help him in what will be a competition for practice time and roster spots at the linebacker position. After all, the veteran is not guaranteed a spot on the team given the structure of his contract.But despite that, returning to New England and its familiar defensive system appears to have been an easy choice for Collins. “I started here. I had the opportunity to come out and start my career here. Obviously, yes, that played a big factor,” he pointed out after his third practice since returning to the team. “Like I said White Brandon Bolden Jerseys , whatever the opportunity is — presents itself — it’s not just me. I’ve got other people to think about. It’s a team thing.”How Collins will be used on his new/old team remains to be seen, but it would not be surprising if the Patriots’ staff already had a concrete plan in mind for the former Pro Bowler. But no matter how it will ultimately look like — Collins was used primarily as an outside linebacker during yesterday’s practice — and how everything unfolds, the player himself has just one thing on his mind at the moment.“Just come out here and do what I get paid to do, and that’s play football, and just do it to the best of my ability,” he said. If he does that, and is able to improve on the shortcomings that led to his trade to Cleveland and his release by the club earlier this offseason, Collins might again turn himself into a key cog in New England’s defensive machinery. FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Patriots receiver Antonio Brown declined to answer questions about allegations of sexual assault and rape against him and says he’s keeping his focus on football.Brown answered only four questions at his locker on Thursday in an interview that lasted just over a minute. It was his first interview with reporters since agreeing to a deal with the Patriots on Sept. 7.He twice declined to answer questions about the civil case filed against him in South Florida by former trainer Britney Taylor, who claims Brown sexually assaulted her on three occasions, including rape, in 2017 and 2018. He also declined to say whether he’s heard from the league about the allegations.He has previously denied the allegations by Taylor.The AP does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they come forward publicly Brandon Bolden Jerseys 2019 , but Taylor was identified in the federal lawsuit and was quoted in a statement provided by her lawyer.Sports Illustrated also reported this week that a second unidentified woman has alleged that Brown exposed himself to her while she was working on a mural for him at his Pittsburgh home in 2017. Brown has also denied that allegation.Asked if he was currently in good standing with the league and available to play on Sunday when New England hosts the New York Jets, Brown responded that he was “super grateful to be here to play for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.”“I got a lot of the offense to learn and catch up on,” he continued. “But I’m excited and grateful to be here and be a part of these guys.”After responding that it was “a tremendous honor” to a question about working with Brady, Brown was asked what the process of acclimating to the Patriots has been like with everything going on in his life. Again, Brown deferred to football.“It’s football,” he said. I’m grateful to play football. Every time you walk in the doors here you know (to) be your best for the team. So every time I walk in here, I just want to make sure I’m preparing to give these guys my best.”Asked a final time if he’s heard anything from the NFL about his availability, Brown said, “I appreciate that question. I’m just here to focus on ball and look forward to get getting out there and playing and being with the team.”Two people with knowledge of the investigation into Brown told The Associated Press that one of the accusers has met with NFL investigators and that there is no timetable for concluding the probe.Brown practiced with the Patriots in the aftermath of Taylor’s lawsuit becoming public and scored a touchdown in his debut against the Dolphins. He’s also been on the field for both of the Patriots’ practices this week.Two sources told The Associated Press that Brown was not placed on the commissioner’s exempt list last week and was eligible to play against Miami because no criminal charges had been filed against him and because the NFL hadn’t fully developed its investigation.Players on the exempt list can’t play in games or practice with a team but are still paid. A player can be placed on the exempt list at any point. The one-year deal Brown signed earlier this month with the Patriots could be worth as much as $15 million.