New England Patriots Release Cornerback

The New England Patriots have made a move to free up salary cap space by releasing cornerback Jalen Mills, two years after signing him to a four-year contract in 2021.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the release was expected, with the move aimed at creating approximately $5 million in salary cap space for the team to use during free agency.

Patriots are releasing defensive back Jalen Mills, per source. The release saves about $5 million against the Patriots’ salary cap.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2023

Despite Mills' productive performance on the field, including two interceptions in 10 games, he missed seven games due to injuries last year. Although there was speculation that he could potentially replace retired FS Devin McCourty, the Patriots have chosen to move on.

Mills is expected to be fully recovered from his groin injury by the time training camp begins with his new team. 

At 28 years old, he is likely to attract interest from other teams in the near future.

Update: #Patriots cut former #Eagles CB/Safety Jalen Mills, per @AdamSchefter

Saves roughly $5 million. pic.twitter.com/9PmDuPoq7Y

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 17, 2023

The move to release Mills allows the Patriots to save $4.9 million in cap space, although they will still have to account for $1.3 million in dead money.

This decision by the Patriots could open up opportunities for the team in free agency, after they already made big moves this week, signing JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki.

Entering his seventh NFL season, Mills has recorded 360 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, seven interceptions and 52 passes defended across 89 games played.

He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles before signing a four-year deal with the Patriots in 2021.

Photo Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports