Patriots Sign Former Bears LB Shea McLellin To 3-Year Deal
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- After a quiet first couple of days, the Patriots have suddenly become among the most active teams in NFL free agency. Just one day after trading Chandler Jones, the team acquired tight end Martellus Bennett from the Chicago Bears. Late Wednesday night, they signed another former Bear, linebacker Shea McClellin, to a three-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
McClellin, whom the Bears drafted 19th overall in 2012, was rumored before the draft to be a target of Bill Belichick's staff. Chicago selected McClellin two picks before the Patriots, who took Chandler Jones. It's as if Belichick is pretending he had McClellin all along.
In acquiring McClellin, the Patriots have now brought in four former first-round picks in a draft year where they lack a first round pick. They've also signed Chris Long, the second-overall pick in 2008, in addition to running back Donald Brown, the 27th pick in 2009, and guard Jonathan Cooper, the seventh overall pick in 2013.
McClellin has been somewhat of a disappointment in Chicago, who perhaps viewed him as the next Brian Urlacher when they drafted him. He has just 7.5 career sacks in 52 career games, and in 2015 averaged just 32 snaps per game in 12 games, but did record 81 combined tackles. But there's no doubt that Belichick loves McClellin's versatility (he can play linebacker in 3-4 or defensive end in 4-3); if any coaching staff can maximize his abilities, it's the Patriots'.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
