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Patriots free up cap space by cutting veteran defensive back Jalen Mills, per reports

FOXBORO, Mass — The Patriots generated some extra cap space Friday after cutting veteran defensive back Jalen Mills after two seasons with the team, according to reports.

By cutting Mills, 26, the Patriots will save roughly $5 million in cap space. Without knowing the exact terms for a handful of signings, New England currently has roughly $20 million in cap space, according to salary cap guru Miguel Benzan.

Mills tallied 61 tackles in his two seasons in New England. Mills was the Patriots’ primary No.2 corner, first operating opposite J.C. Jackson in 2021 and then Jonathan Jones in 2022. Injuries limited Mills to just 10 games last season.

Mills’ release leaves the Patriots a bit thin at corner. Jonathan Jones, 2022 draft picks Marcus and Jack Jones, Shaun Wade and tendered restricted free agent Myles Bryant comprise the entirety of the team’s cornerback depth.

Mills was set to enter the third year of a 4-year, $24 million contract signed in 2021. Mills is the second full-time starter in New England’s defensive backfield they’ve lost this offseason after longtime captain Devin McCourty retired last week.

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