The New England Patriots continue to make big moves this offseason. This week, New England continued to upgrade their defense by signing linebacker Shea McClellin to a three-year contract. The move comes with the retirements of Jerod Mayo and Dane Fletcher this offseason, leaving a need for linebacker depth in New England.
#Patriots sign DE Chris Long and LB Shea McClellin: https://t.co/5bPxsNJk9w
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 18, 2016
McClellin, 26, is the former 19th overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Boise State. McClellin had 161 tackles and 7.5 sacks in his four seasons with the Chicago Bears. The Patriots worked out McClellin in pre-draft workouts but didn’t get the chance to draft him.
The addition of McClellin marks the acquisition of yet another former first round pick by the Patriots. By adding Jonathan Cooper, Chris Long, Donald Brown and now McClellin, the Patriots have added to their one first round pick on the roster (Nate Solder).
McClellin will look to fill the void left by Jerod Mayo, and fight for playing time with Jonathan Freeny and Jon Bostic, his former teammate. McClellin figures to be a natural fit in the 3-4 defense of the Patriots thanks to his size (6’3″, 245 lbs.) and his instincts.
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