Patriots Re-Sign LB Mack Wilson; 2023 Role?

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots are retaining the services of reserve linebacker and special teams stalwart Mack Wilson Sr.

Wilson, 25, will return to New England on a one-year deal, reportedly worth $2.2 million, per NFL Network.

Nearly one year ago to the day, he was acquired by the Pats in a rare, player-for-player trade with the Cleveland Browns for linebacker Chase Winovich.

The Alabama product played in all 17 games for the Pats, having compiled 36 total tackles (two for loss), 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble 2022. While Wilson did not quite have the type of standout sideline-to-sideline impact for which he was acquired, he did demonstrate both speed and athleticism to earn three starts, mostly playing off-the-ball. Still he did not play a single defensive snap over the final five games of the year and was exclusively used on special teams down the stretch, ranking third on the team with 10 tackles on various coverage units.

Despite some first-year growing pains in the Pats system, Wilson has found his new surroundings to be quite recognizable. After all, he played his collegiate football for Nick Saban at the University of Alabama.

Saban, a former assistant of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, has long been known to run a style with the Crimson Tide, similar to that which is run in New England. From his first moments in New England, Wilson saw the commonalities between the two programs.

As a result, his comfort level is likely to have played a role in his decision to remain with the Pats.

“Alabama is really not much different [than New England],” Wilson told reporters during his introductory video conference in May 2022. “Being here with the Patriots, this is professional. It’s been a lot of hard work, and a lot of fun as well…But, it’s just super structured, man. I feel like it’s just something that brings out the best in people, man.””

Wilson began his career as a fifth-round selection by the Cleveland Browns in 2019. The Alabama product played 14 games in his rookie season, logging 82 total tackles (four, for loss), seven passes defensed, one forced fumble, one sack and one interception. For his efforts, he was rewarded with a starting position but Cleveland during his first-year as a pro.

However, Wilson’s playing time steadily began to dip over the past two seasons; decreasing from 88 percent in 2019 to 43 percent in 2020 to 21 percent last season. In 2021, Wilson served primarily in a rotational, off-the-ball role. He played a regular role on special teams, which he maintained throughout that decline. Despite the reduction in playing time, Wilson made the most of his time on the field, earning a career-best 75.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, in just 193 defensive snaps.

In the final analysis, Wilson’s presence will not significantly move the needle for the Pats at the linebacker position. However, there is tremendous upside in bringing him back. With the Patriots continuously looking to get younger, and faster at the linebacker position, Wilson will clearly help in that regard. In New England’s system, he should retain his role as a rotational inside linebacker, playing off-the-ball along with reserve Raekwon McMillan. Wilson has the speed and athleticism to earn a starting position. Though he will need a very impressive training camp performance to be considered for such a role.

Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots

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