The New England Patriots suddenly are active participants in free agency.
Veteran cornerback Robert McClain tweeted Wednesday that he’ll continue his NFL career with the Patriots after coming in for a free-agent visit Tuesday.
[tweet https://twitter.com/bobbymac36/status/578235117660979200 align=center]
McClain began his career with the Carolina Panthers in 2010 as a seventh-round draft pick out of UConn. He played with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011 and then latched on with the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons.
McClain started 15 games with the Falcons, mostly serving as the team’s nickel cornerback. He played in the slot in 2012 and 2013 before moving outside in 2014. He allowed 552 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in 2014, giving up 47 receptions on 70 targets, according to Pro Football Focus. His best season came in 2012, when he allowed just 335 yards and no touchdowns with one interception. He gave up 43 receptions on 67 targets.
McClain is the third free-agent cornerback the Patriots have added this season, joining Bradley Fletcher and Chimdi Chekwa. McClain was joined by Fletcher, Tarell Brown and Terence Newman on a free-agent visit to the Patriots on Tuesday.
The Patriots lost starters Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency after failing to pick up their 2015 contract options. McClain could compete with Fletcher, Chekwa, Kyle Arrington, Logan Ryan, Malcolm Butler, Alfonzo Dennard, Justin Green and Daxton Swanson for the Patriots’ starting roles.
Thumbnail photo via Jason Getz/USA TODAY Sports Images
