Earlier today, the New England Patriots released linebacker Shea McClellin with a failed physical designation. The former first round draft pick who joined the team via trade from the Chicago Bears before the 2016 season, missed all of last year after a string of concussions forced him onto season-ending injured reserve. While the move creates $1.72 million in salary cap space, it also further weakens New England's linebacker depth.
Let's reset the position's depth chart with McClellin now gone:
Even though Van Noy had a solid 2017 season as New England's defensive signal caller and number one linebacker, a look at the group above shows that the team needs to talented depth to the position: Not only are two of the five linebackers currently under contract – Hightower and Langi – coming off injury-related reserve lists, Grigsby is primarily a special teams player while Roberts took a step back during his second NFL season.