Patriots Release Raekwon McMillan

The New England Patriots claimed defensive end Yannick Ngakoue off waivers Friday. The team needed to make a corresponding move to open up space on their 53-man roster. New England opted to release veteran linebacker Raekwon McMillan.

McMillan joined the Patriots in 2021. He spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins (2017-2019) and Las Vegas Raiders (2000).

Raekwon McMillan enjoyed an outstanding collegiate career at Ohio State. McMillan helped Ohio State win the 2015 CFP National Championship as a freshman. He followed that up with two seasons of being named a first-team All-Big Ten selection. The Buckeyes went 37-4 during McMillan’s time in Columbus.

Also Read – Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Yannick Ngakoue

NFL Career

McMillan struggled to stay healthy after turning pro. He tore his ACL in the first preseason game of his rookie year, ending his 2017 season before it began. He returned and played well in 2018, starting all 16 games and recording 105 tackles. In his third season with the Dolphins, a hamstring injury forced him to miss their final three games.

Miami traded Raekwon McMillan to the Las Vegas Raiders before the 2020 season. He played in all 16 games, mostly on special teams. The Patriots signed McMillan as a free agent after the season.

In his first training camp in New England, McMillan suffered a second season-ending ACL injury during training camp. He returned to play for the Patriots in 2022 as a reserve linebacker and core special teams player.

Points by the @Patriots defense! 💪

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— NFL (@NFL) December 13, 2022

Unfortunately for Raekwon McMillan and the New England Patriots, he tore his Achilles tendon during off-season OTAs in 2023. For the third time in seven seasons, McMillan missed the entire season. His third major comeback helped him earn a spot on the New England Patriots 53-man roster coming out of camp this season.

When Ja’Whaun Bentley went down with a season-ending injury of his own this season, Raekwon McMillan had an opportunity to impress. He started four games but struggled. Over the last three games, he’s averaged only 12 defensive snaps per game.

What’s Next for McMillan?

The timing of Raekwon McMillan’s release is a bit odd. With Ja’Whaun Bentley out and Christian Elliss already ruled out for Week 10, the New England Patriots were shorthanded at inside linebacker before this move. Joe Giles-Harris will likely receive a practice squad elevation this weekend. As for McMillan, once he clears waivers he is free to sign with any NFL team, either with a 53-man roster or a practice squad. That could include a possible return to Foxboro.