Report: Patriots Decline Fifth-Year Option On Malcom Brown, Two Others
The New England Patriots declined to pick up the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Malcom Brown, in addition to wide receiver Phillip Dorsett and defensive tackle Danny Shelton. All three are now on track to become free agents after the 2018 season.
Brown originally signed with the Patriots in 2015 after being drafted with the 32nd pick in the first round. He was set to earn $7.154 million if the Patriots picked up his option.
Dorsett, meanwhile, came to the Patriots after they acquired him from the Indianapolis Colts for quarterback Jacoby Brissett just before the start of the 2017 season. Shelton arrived in New England through a trade that swapped draft picks with the Cleveland Browns back in March.
Dorsett was slated to earn $9.387 million in 2019, while Shelton’s option was the same $7.154 million as Brown.
Phillip Dorsett of the New England Patriots makes a catch over Myles Jack of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Brown has recorded 84 tackles and 8.5 sacks in 45 career games (37 starts) as a stout run defender for the Patriots. He played 50.66 percent of all defensive snaps (537 total) for the Pats in 2017, the fourth-most among defensive linemen. Trey Flowers led the D-line with 802 total snaps, which amounted to 75.66 percent.
ESPN’s Patriots aren't planning to pick up the fifth-year option on DT Danny Shelton, per source. Doesn't mean team won't try to sign him to long-term deal when he becomes free agent after 2018 season.
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Sources:
— Report via The following players didn't have their 2019 options picked up and are now slated for free agency at the end of this season:
Pats DT Danny Shelton
Pats DT Malcom Brown
Pats WR Phillip Dorsett
Niners OL Laken Tomlinson
Dolphins LB Stephone Anthony
Ravens WR Breshad Perriman
— Salary information via Spotrac [1, 2, 3]
— Stats via Pro Football Reference
