The New England Patriots shook up their defense this weekend, adding a Pro Bowl pass rusher and releasing one of their most prolific tacklers.

Following the addition of defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, the Patriots released linebacker Raekwon McMillan in a corresponding move to make room on the roster.

The 28-year-old McMillan played in all nine games this season, starting four and ranked second on the team with 45 total tackles.

McMillan had an up-and-down run in New England, missing both the 2021 and 2023 seasons due to injury. He started the 2024 season as a rotation player. But after an injury to Ja’Whaun Bentley, McMillan saw his playing time go up, playing a season-high 53 snaps in Week 3. McMillan logged 31 tackles between Week 2 and Week 5.

In recent weeks, McMillan‘s playing time dropped as linebacker Christian Elliss’ role on the defense increased. McMillan played under 20% of defensive snaps in the Patriots’ last three teams.

The release of McMillan appears to be a nod that Elliss’ expanded role on defense is here to stay. Although, Ellis won‘t be on the field for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, having already been ruled out with an abdominal injury.

Meanwhile, the Patriots’ acquisition of Ngakoue off of waivers represents a roll of the dice on a player who has a long history as a productive pass rusher.

Ngakoue has notched double-digit sacks twice in his career and made the Pro Bowl with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2017 season. He’s bounced around the NFL in recent years, playing for five teams since leaving Jacksonville in free agency in 2020.

Ngakoue played a small role with the Ravens this season, appearing in five games and notching 1.5 sacks.