BOCA RATON, Fla. -- A closer look at the contracts signed by linebacker Shea McClellin and defensive end Chris Long with the New England Patriots, with analysis from the team and player side:
LB Shea McClellin
Terms: 3 years, $8.95 million
Signing bonus: $2.5 million
Total guarantee: $3.5 million
2016
Base salary: $1 million (fully guaranteed)
Roster bonus: $300,000
Workout bonus: $100,000
Salary cap charge: $2.23 million
2017
Base salary: $1.9 million
Roster bonus: $300,000
Workout bonus: $200,000
Salary cap charge: $3.2 million
2018
Base salary: $2.15 million
Roster bonus: $300,000
Workout bonus: $200,000
Salary cap charge: $3.4 million
This deal reflects how the Patriots view McClellin, a 2012 first-round draft pick who never found a consistent role in Chicago, as a significant part of their team-building plans. He projects as the No. 3 linebacker behind Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower, and also provides a layer of depth in future years as both Collins and Hightower enter the final year of their contracts in 2016. Based on film study, McClellin looks like a player who would be an off-the-line linebacker in the base 4-3 defense, with the potential to move to a stand-up on-the-line role in certain packages, somewhat similar to Akeem Ayers' role in 2014.
DE Chris Long
Terms: One year, $2.375 million
Total guarantee: $1 million
Signing bonus: $500,000
Base salary: $1.25 million ($500,000 guaranteed)
Roster bonus: $625,000
Cap charge: $2.375 million
Long projects as a rotational player in an end-of-the-line role, joining Rob Ninkovich, Jabaal Sheard, Geneo Grissom, Trey Flowers and Rufus Johnson. He had other suitors, and reportedly could have earned more elsewhere, so this deal reflects how Long put joining the Patriots with a chance to contend for a Super Bowl championship above financial considerations. This is a modest deal for a player of his caliber.
