10:58am: The Lions have agreed to terms with Collins on a one-year contract, says Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (via Twitter). ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein adds (via Twitter) that it’s a minimum salary benefit deal.
8:48am: Fullback Jed Collins is visiting with the Lions today, and if all goes according to plan, the team expects to sign him to a contract, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. It was Birkett who first reported yesterday that the Lions were hosting Collins for a visit.
Only three other players in the NFL received more snaps at fullback last season than Collins, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). While he was used primarily as a blocker, the 28-year-old also got a few touches, compiling 15 rushing attempts and 14 receptions.
Lions GM Martin Mayhew suggested last month that he’d like to add a fullback to the roster, and his team and Collins look like a good match. A former Saints, Collins saw his old team sign Erik Lorig to a four-year deal yesterday, meaning there’s likely no longer room in New Orleans for him. As for the Lions, they brought in free agent fullback Henry Hynoski for a visit last week, but Hynoski ultimately ended up re-signing with the Giants.
Another beautiful Off-Season… It really has been. Befor I use to look at the ticker at the bottom of the screen of ESPN and see nothing about the Lions.. These days we are in the mix baby… And we are in the discussion for Top Teams in the NFL oppose to being a Door Mat. Way to turn a team around with just a few conversations 🙂 Go Lions!!