Lions Looking To Trade LB Collins

DETROIT — The Detroit Lions are exploring trade options for veteran linebacker Jamie Collins, according to Ian Rapoport from NFL Network.

Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell went on to confirmed the report Thursday, as he said during a news conference that "we're hoping to get this done sooner than later."

Campbell also added "we have suitors right now," while praising Collins' contributions to the team. He also said "his attitude has been great. It has nothing to do with any of that."

Collins signed a three-year deal with the Lions ahead of the 2020 season and is due to make $3.8 million in base salary this year.

Although Collins has recorded a combined ten tackles-including one for a loss-he struggled in the Lions' Monday night loss to the Green Bay Packers. He had difficulty getting around the edges and missed coverage zones in the secondary.

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One potential reason the Lions are looking to move the 32-year-old linebacker is to get rookie Derrick Barnes more playing time.

When asked about Collins' struggles, Campbell told the Detroit Free Press that "It wasn't certainly his [Jamie Collins] best performance. And yeah, I think Barnes deserves a shot."

Barnes, 22, was picked in the fourth-round of the 2021 NFL Draft.