10 Patriots Playing Their Way Out of New England's 2025 Plans

5. Raekwon McMillan

Raekwon McMillan was thrust into a difficult role after 2023 leading tackler Ja'Whaun Bentley went down in Week 2 with a season-ending torn pectoral muscle.

Following the Bentley injury, McMillan played 73 percent and 78 percent of New England's defensive snaps in Weeks 3 and 4, respectively. After poor performances, McMillan saw his defensive snaps dwindle. In the last two weeks, he has played only 18 percent and 19 percent of the defensive snaps, respectively. McMillan was benched to start Week 7 and has seen his special teams playing time increase as his defense snaps have decreased – which is never a good sign for a struggling player.

In eight games in 2024, McMillan has made 41 combined tackles. The soon-to-be 28-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent following this season. With Bentley angling to return and Christian Elliss' role increasing, it is hard to envision McMillan in a Patriots jersey in 2025.