The New England Patriots have reportedly informed wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell that they intend to release him. CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora first reported the news on Monday, with multiple confirmations coming shortly afterward.
Mitchell’s final game in a Patriots uniform turned out to be Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons, in which he caught six passes for 70 yards in the team’s 34-28 overtime win. His numbers in that game don’t necessarily jump off the stat sheet, but he made five of his six catches in the fourth quarter to help spur the team’s comeback from a 28-3 deficit.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots “shopped” Mitchell for a potential trade but could not find a suitor. There are concerns with Mitchell’s lingering knee issues for other teams, in addition to New England. Bill Belichick declined to comment on what he termed “media speculation” surrounding Mitchell during a press conference last week.
Mitchell warmed up with the Patriots in full pads to start Saturday’s training camp practice in Foxboro, before departing to work on the lower field with players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Now, the question for the 25-year-old wideout is if any other NFL team, none of which would part with any draft picks to acquire him, will give him a shot to make their roster.
Despite the disappointing end to Mitchell’s Patriots career, the argument could be made that the Patriots’ selection of him in the 2016 draft – and the Chandler Jones trade that acquired the pick in the first place – was worth it in the end. Ultimately, he helped the Patriots win a Super Bowl, if only for one season.
UPDATE: The Patriots made the move official on Monday. On Tuesday, Rapoport tweeted that Mitchell has cleared waivers and is officially a free agent.
— 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.
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