Report: Former Boise State, Marsing standout McClellin signs with Patriots

Shea McClellin, the former Boise State linebacker and Marsing High graduate, has agreed to a three-year deal with New England Patriots, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

McClellin has spent his entire four-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears, who selected him 19th overall in the 2012 draft. He has played in 52 games (31 starts) with 7.5 sacks in his career. The Bears opted not to pick up his fifth-year option this offseason, making him a free agent. He reportedly also visited the Seahawks and the Jets.

The Patriots were seen as one of the top candidates to draft McClellin out of Boise State, with his versatility a good fit in their 3-4 scheme, but the Bears surprised by taking him earlier. McClellin never quite fit the Bears’ 4-3 system, moving between defensive end, outside linebacker and inside linebacker.

New England dealt pass-rusher Chandler Jones to Arizona on Tuesday, seemingly opening up a prime opportunity for McClellin to fill that role with the four-time Super Bowl champions.

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 10:25 PM with the headline "Report: Former Boise State, Marsing standout McClellin signs with Patriots."