The transactions are coming fast and furious for the New England Patriots.
The Patriots are signing linebacker Shea McClellin to a three-year contract, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday night. McClellin was a pass rusher in college but converted to stand-up linebacker in the NFL with the Chicago Bears.
The Patriots have a greater need at linebacker, where they have no clear third option behind starters Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins. The Patriots ask their linebackers to blitz frequently, however, so McClellin likely will be allowed to play to his strengths.
McClellin, 26, was selected 19th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Boise State. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound defender has 161 career tackles and 7.5 sacks in four seasons, all with the Bears.
The Patriots have been active the last two days, when they’ve traded Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals for guard Jonthan Cooper and a second-round draft pick, signed defensive end Chris Long, and reportedly added running back Donald Brown, traded for tight end Martellus Bennett and now added McClellin.
Thumbnail photo via Mike DiNovo/USA TODAY Sports Images
