NFL Free Agent Rumors: Detroit Lions sign top fullback Jed Collins

Nov 17, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints fullback Jed Collins (45) celebrates his touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the end zone after handing off the ball to back judge Greg Wilson (119) during the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

It appears the days of Matthew Stafford slinging the pigskin fifty-some times a game are gone.

Under the new regime, the Detroit Lions appear to be molding themselves to a more conventional offense and the recent signing of fullback Jed Collins suggests more of the same.

Per Pro Football Talk:

"The Lions previously didn’t have any fullbacks on the roster, but now they’ll have Collins as a lead blocker for the running back combination of Reggie Bush and Joique Bell."

Collins has been well traveled during his NFL career though spent the last three seasons as a member of the New Orleans Saints. Of course, his talents weren’t exactly utilized the best given the high-powered passing offense of the Saints, but Collins ranked out as the best lead blocking fullback in 2011 by PFF, so he has a high quality history.

It’s great news for the Lions rushing game who will likely improve thanks to the addition of the premier blocking fullback.

Collins isn’t much in terms of catches out of the backfield, but if you need a block, he’ll deliver it more times than not.

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