Pats signing LB McMillan
Belichick ‘excited’ about recent moves
The Patriots agreed to sign former Raiders and Dolphins linebacker Raekwon McMillan to a one-year deal Friday, per sources.
The fifth-year linebacker served in a backup role last season in Las Vegas, where he totaled 27 tackles, including two for a loss, over 16 games. McMillan also forced a fumble. The Raiders acquired him in a preseason trade with the Dolphins, who drafted McMillan in the third round of the 2017 draft.
After missing his rookie year with a torn ACL, McMillan started all 16 games for Miami in 2018. He racked up 105 tackles, two forced fumbles and one pass deflection, which still stand as career highs. McMillan followed that season with 72 tackles in 2019, when he missed three games.
The 25-year-old linebacker is another run-first defender, more evidence the Pats have prioritized restoring their league-worst run defense.
He figures to compete with Ja’Whaun Bentley for the lead backup role at inside linebacker, assuming Dont’a Hightower returns to form after a year off. The question is where the Patriots believe Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings are best suited long-term.
Newly returned Kyle Van Noy, despite playing two straight seasons on the edge, could also see snaps at inside linebacker.
Regardless, adding McMillan represents a smart, low-cost signing despite his limitations as an early-down player. He should at least provide an upgrade over Terez Hall, who started several games down the stretch of 2020.
Belichick: Team ‘excited’ about moves
The Patriots announced the majority of their free-agent signings Friday, with coach Bill Belichick saying the team is “looking forward to continue building toward the upcoming season.”
Tight end Hunter Henry was the headliner, followed by linebackers Matt Judon and Kyle Van Noy, wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, defensive linemen Deatrich Wise Jr. and Henry Anderson, defensive backs Jalen Mills and Cody Davis, plus offensive lineman Ted Karras.
“We are excited about the additions to our roster so far this year,” Belichick said in a team release. “Whether by trade, free agency or re-signings, the group brings a good mix of offense, defense and special teams. It was great to see them in the building, including some familiar faces.”
The team’s release omitted the reported signings of quarterback Cam Newton, center David Andrews, defensive linemen Davon Godchaux and Montravius Adams, linebacker McMillan, special teams ace Justin Bethel and kicker Nick Folk.
Those players are likely either finalizing their contracts or have yet to take a physical. The Pats previously announced their acquisition of offensive tackle Trent Brown via trade and the trade of former starting right tackle Marcus Cannon.
The team later Friday announced the signing of tight end Jonnu Smith.
Patriots’ 2021 picks finalized
The NFL released its official 2021 draft order Friday and simultaneously revealed the Patriots have been awarded an extra compensatory pick in the fifth round.
The Patriots now own 10 selections in the upcoming draft, including one pick in the first round (15th overall), second round (No. 46) and third round (No. 96), plus three in the fourth round (120th, 122nd and 139th overall), a pick in the fifth round (No. 177), two selections in the sixth round (188th and 197th) and one in the seventh round (242nd).
The Pats were initially awarded two compensatory picks for losing Tom Brady and Van Noy to free agency last year. It was expected they would receive three, having also lost linebackers Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts, among others.
They could land another secondround pick if an opposing team signs restricted free agent cornerback J.C. Jackson to an offer sheet, and the front office declines to match.