The Patriots have parted ways with linebacker Shea McClellin, releasing him with a failed physical designation, according to ESPN’s Field Yates (on Twitter). McLellin was unable to suit up last year after beginning the season on injured reserve and suffering a concussion at practice during his comeback attempt.
McClellin, 28, was taken in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Bears in 2012. He was set to enter the second season of a three-year, $9MM deal ($3.5MM guaranteed) signed with the Patriots in 2015. In his lone season with the Patriots in 2016, he appeared in 14 games — starting four — and recorded just one sack. He was graded by Pro Football Focus as the No. 72 edge rusher in the NFL out of 108 qualified players.
In four seasons with the Bears, McClellin appeared in 52 games and made 31 starts. His finest season came in 2014 when he recorded a career-best four sacks and matched his career high by appearing in 14 games.
McClellin would have likely worked as a rotational player behind Patriot starters Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy. Injuries limited Hightower to just five games last season. New England also has Elandon Roberts, Nic Grigsby and Harvey Langi rostered at linebacker, with James Harrison and Marquis Flowers unrestricted free agents this offseason.
with so many injury issues hope the guy hangs it up … he was a solid performer in the games i say him in for the bears but better to hang them up before serious health concerns happen
Not sure what Bears games you were watching. The only good thing he did was break Rodgers collarbone in one of the few games we’ve beat the Pack in the last 25 yrs. I’m optismic he will make a great insurance salesman, he lasted about 4 more years in the NFL than he should have
not a huge bears fan .. so only saw him when he played nfc east or afc east
Yet another Bears 1st round bust. They could have drafted Osemele pro-bowl Guard. Shea may have the be next great insurance salesman ?