The New England Patriots made a mildly surprising release as a corresponding move to the team claiming veteran defensive tackle Yannick Ngakoue off waivers on Friday.
They announced that they also released linebacker Raekwon McMillan, who signed with the team back in 2021.
McMillan has started in four games for the Patriots this season. He has played on 44 percent of the defensive snaps, but most of his work has come on special teams (78 percent).
His release is a bit of a surprise considering his versatility on defense and special teams. He was a plug-and-play veteran with the kind of versatility former coach Bill Belichick always valued on his rosters.
There’s hope that Ngakoue can help provide a spark as a veteran piece along the defensive front. The Patriots are missing both defensive tackle Christian Barmore and linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. So Ngakoue seems like a solid low-risk, high-reward option.
Regardless of whether it’s defense or special teams, McMillan should have no issues landing on his feet outside of New England.
