There are not many former Green Bay Packers players, the fans have missed more than Nick Collins. He greeted the Lambeau Field faithful in the final home game of the season and received a big roar with hearing people saying 'We love you Nick, come back!' Those pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears as Collins had a debilitating neck injury that would keep him off the field for the end of time. Collins never really retired, but it was all but assumed, he probably would not be playing again in the National Football League. As everything these days, social media might tells a different story as Collins said this on Twitter yesterday and last night.Nickdapick36 is ready for action.
— Nick Collins (@nickdapick36) February 3, 2014Who's looking for a top notch free safety. This kid is ready to dominate #2014
— Nick Collins (@nickdapick36) February 4, 2014All of the sudden, Collins announces his return to football. I have to imagine he heard some good news about his neck injury. With the way modern science works and some other stuff that we can keep our heads buried in the sand for now, Collins is ready to play again in the NFL. This could be great news for Packers fans, or it could be the start of 'Fire Ted Thompson' chants again if Green Bay does not bring back Collins next year if he is fully cleared. The thing about Collins is Green Bay released him for monetary purposes and not really due to anything else. There is no ill-will towards the team meaning the return could possibly happen because it is worth the risk.
My assumption would be Collins despite his All-Pro nature, would probably only garner one or two years worth around eight to 12 million dollars (Higher if we are talking two years). No one is going to give him a major deal coming off an neck injury, and the fact he has not played in two years means Collins will be given a lower contract this year only to get a major deal the following year if he plays well again. Green Bay needs to at least give it a thought because there is nothing better with safeties right now. They have not replaced him and it has been two years. Let that sink in for a second.
Green Bay's safeties are a complete mess. Morgan Burnett is probably a strong safety, and he did play much better at that position. Collins would provide some leadership in the secondary as well as help teach Burnett like he did in previous years. For Green Bay to trust Burnett another year and not at least explore the idea of a Collins' return is arrogant. There is no reason to bring a guy back in the fold that still enjoys hanging out with teammates from Green Bay. Over the weekend, Collins, Tramon Williams and James Jones were hanging in the Bahamas and Collins looks pretty good for not playing football in the last couple of years.
My bros @nickdapick36 And James jones just enjoying the moment. #Bahamastakeover pic.twitter.com/8W7Kojc97Y
— Tramon Williams (@HighRizer38) February 1, 2014This now becomes the story to watch for Green Bay fans in the first month of the offseason. If Collins comes back, we will need to manage some expectations but that's a story for another time. All in all, I am happy to see Collins have the ability to return to the game he loves after thinking there was no chance two years ago.
Charlie.
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