Patriots Release LB Shea McClellin
The Patriots announced that they’ve released linebacker Shea McClellin. The 28-year-old played for the Pats in the 2016 season, but spent all of 2017 on IR.
Shea McClellin (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)The Patriots announced on Monday that they've released linebacker Shea McClellin. The 28-year-old played for the Patriots in the 2016 season, but spent the entire 2017 season on injured reserve.
McClellin played in 14 games for the Patriots in 2016, starting four. He logged 39 total tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery. His most memorable play, perhaps, was when he leaped over the center to block a field goal attempt by the Baltimore Ravens' Justin Tucker. Such a play is no longer allowed in the NFL.
Cutting McClellin saves the Patriots about $2.75 million in cash and $2.3 million against the cap, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. The linebacker earned over $6.2 million in his two seasons with the Patriots; he originally signed for three years and about $9 million.
The Pats could still use another linebacker in free agency, if only for depth - but ideally for a legitimate No. 2 option behind Dont'a Hightower. Bigger targets like Avery Williamson and Preston Brown are off the board, though. The Pats currently have Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts, Harvey Langi, and Nicholas Grigsby on the roster at the position.
According to Miguel Benzan of the Boston Sports Journal and PatsCap.com, the Patriots have about $13.9 million in cap space after releasing McClellin. So there's certainly room for more moves to markedly improve the roster before camp.
-- By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
