FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots released Shea McClellin with a failed physical designation on Monday, but the linebacker doesn't seem to have any hard feelings about it. In fact, McClellin shared glowing praise for the organization on his Twitter account.
— Shea McClellin (@mcckshea) March 19, 2018
McClellin, who had signed a three-year, $8.95 million contract with the club after the 2015 season, had missed all of last year (concussion). In his first year with the Patriots, when the team won Super Bowl LI, he played 34.5 percent of the defensive snaps in the regular season and finished with 39 tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery.
Patriots fans might remember him most for an incredibly athletic play in which he leaped over the line of scrimmage to block a field goal against the Ravens. The NFL later passed a rule eliminating that type of play, citing safety concerns.
Because of McClellin's health questions, he wasn't projected to be a big part of the Patriots' plans in 2018. His release clears about $2.3 million of salary-cap space.
