The New England Patriots made a significant roster move on Friday, officially waiving linebacker Raekwon McMillan to make room for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, who was claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. The move signals a shift in the Patriots’ defensive strategy, as they look to bolster their pass rush with Ngakoue, a veteran edge rusher with a proven track record in the league.
McMillan, a 27-year-old linebacker, has had an interesting journey in the NFL since being selected in the second round of the 2017 draft by the Miami Dolphins. He played for the Dolphins until 2020, when he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders as part of a pick swap. Over the course of his career, McMillan has shown flashes of potential, but injuries have often limited his ability to make a lasting impact on the field.
McMillan’s time in New England began in 2021 when he signed a one-year deal with the Patriots. Despite a promising start, his tenure with the team was marred by a significant knee injury, as he tore his ACL during the 2021 season. Nonetheless, the Patriots saw enough potential in him to offer him a one-year extension in September 2022, even after the injury. McMillan’s resilience was evident as he worked his way back to full health, and by 2023, he was back on the field and played in 16 games for New England. His contributions continued to be valuable, and in 2023, he was again rewarded with a one-year extension.
In 2024, McMillan appeared in nine games for the Patriots and made four starts, recording 45 tackles and a pass defense. While his production was solid, it wasn’t enough to secure a long-term role on the roster. McMillan’s versatility and experience were valuable to New England’s defensive depth, but with the Patriots looking to make room for a more immediate impact player, his departure seemed inevitable.
The Patriots’ decision to waive McMillan was likely a combination of factors. With a roster that continues to evolve, New England is focused on improving its defense, particularly the pass rush. The acquisition of Yannick Ngakoue represents a significant upgrade in that area. Ngakoue, a highly productive pass rusher throughout his career, has the ability to provide an immediate boost to the Patriots’ defense. His arrival marks a clear intent to improve the team’s ability to pressure the quarterback and make plays in the backfield.
Ngakoue, who was claimed off waivers from the Ravens, is one of the league’s more well-known edge rushers. Over his career, he has accumulated double-digit sacks in multiple seasons, including impressive stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings. His ability to disrupt the pocket and put pressure on quarterbacks makes him a valuable addition to New England’s defensive front, which will now look to complement him with players like Matt Judon and Josh Uche. Ngakoue’s skill set provides a much-needed boost to a defense that has been solid but could certainly benefit from more explosive plays on the edge.
For McMillan, this move represents the end of his tenure with the Patriots, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Despite the injury setbacks, McMillan has demonstrated resilience throughout his time in New England, showing that he has the ability to bounce back and contribute at a high level when healthy. While his future with the Patriots is now uncertain, McMillan will likely catch the attention of other teams looking for depth and experience at the linebacker position. His time in New England may not have resulted in a long-term role, but his work ethic and tenacity could earn him another opportunity elsewhere in the league.
This roster move also highlights the Patriots’ ongoing commitment to building a competitive defense. By adding Ngakoue and waiving McMillan, the team is making a strategic shift to focus on the pass rush, a critical area for success in today’s NFL. As the Patriots continue to evaluate their roster and make adjustments for the remainder of the 2024 season, the addition of Ngakoue should help bolster their defense in key matchups moving forward.
For McMillan, the road ahead will likely require him to continue proving his value as he seeks a new opportunity in the NFL. Whether it’s as a rotational linebacker or a special teams contributor, McMillan’s experience and ability to contribute in multiple roles will undoubtedly appeal to teams looking to add depth at the position. Despite the Patriots’ decision to waive him, McMillan’s career is far from over, and his work ethic and adaptability will likely ensure that he has more opportunities in the league.
Ultimately, the Patriots’ move to waive McMillan and bring in Ngakoue reflects a team in transition, looking to make adjustments to its defensive roster in order to remain competitive in a tough AFC East. For McMillan, it’s another chapter in his NFL career, as he now faces an uncertain future but also the potential to continue playing at a high level elsewhere. The shifting landscape in New England will keep fans on edge as they await the impact of these roster changes in the weeks to come.