Patriots reach extension with injured linebacker Raekwon McMillan through 2024, per report

The organization has come to an agreement with seasoned linebacker Raekwon McMillan, finalizing a one-year contract extension valued at a potential $2.245 million. As reported by Field Yates of ESPN on Monday, this development has transpired.

The Patriots Raekwon McMillan (center) and some of his teammates mug it up for the Monday Night Football camera after he returned a third quarter Arizona fumble for a touchdown. The scoreboard behind them is showing the replay of the play and the score reflects the fact that New England had just taken a lead they would not lose. The New England Patriots visited the Arizona Cardinals for an NFL Monday Night Football game at State Farm Stadium.

Having sustained a partially torn Achilles during practice, the 27-year-old McMillan was placed on injured reserve in May, an occurrence that does not impact the team’s 90-man roster limit.

A former captain and national champion from Ohio State, McMillan had previously re-signed as an unrestricted free agent in March. His contributions in the previous season saw him participate in 16 games for the New England team, commencing with the season opener. Over the course of 250 defensive snaps and 277 special teams snaps, McMillan amassed 35 tackles. Notably, he secured his inaugural career sack and touchdown return.

New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills

Addressing McMillan’s role, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick commented during June’s organized team activities, “Raekwon gave us a lot of versatility… he’s young. I think things went well when he came back from the ACL a year ago, played in every game, except for one. I think he missed with a thumb or something, but hopefully he’ll be back.”

McMillan’s tenure with New England in 2021 concluded on injured reserve during training camp due to a torn ACL. Despite this setback, he secured a one-year contract extension, followed by the current agreement.

Having been selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft at the 54th overall pick, McMillan has previously been associated with the Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders. Upon his arrival in Foxborough, he brought with him a track record of 33 starts, 204 tackles, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.