In a surprising move, the New England Patriots have decided to release defensive back Jalen Mills, according to a source close to the team. This decision will save the Patriots approximately $5 million against their salary cap, allowing them some much-needed financial flexibility.
Mills was signed by the Patriots last offseason to a four-year, $24 million deal. Tthe expectation was that he would bring a veteran presence to their secondary. However, Mills struggled in his first season with the team, recording just one interception and allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete over 70% of their passes when targeting him.
What does the Jalen Mills release mean for the Patriots?
The Mills’ release may come as a shock to some fans. It’s clear that the Patriots are looking to make some changes to their roster heading into the 2023 season. The team is coming off a disappointing 7-10 record. They missed the playoffs for a second consecutive year. It’s no surprise that they’re looking to shake things up and find a winning formula.
The decision to release Mills also highlights the importance of salary cap management in the NFL. With the league’s salary cap set at $224.8 million for the 2023 season, teams need to carefully balance their spending to ensure that they can field a competitive roster while staying under the cap. The Patriots have shrewd management of the salary cap. This move shows that they’re continuing to prioritize financial flexibility.
Of course, the release of Mills also raises questions about the Patriots’ plans for the upcoming NFL Draft. With a number of talented defensive backs expected to be available in the draft, it’s possible that the team is looking to use their newfound salary cap space to make a splash in the draft and bring in some young talent to bolster their secondary.
Overall, the release of Jalen Mills is a reminder that the NFL is a constantly evolving landscape. Teams need to be willing to make tough decisions in order to stay competitive. While Mills may have been a valuable member of the Patriots’ roster in 2022, the team is clearly looking to make some changes in the hopes of returning to their winning ways since parting ways with 7-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady.
