Report: Danny Shelton Contract Option Declined by Patriots

The New England Patriots reportedly declined the fifth-year contract option on defensive tackle Danny Shelton's rookie deal on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Shelton was acquired from the Cleveland Browns in March along with a 2018 fifth-round pick in exchange for a 2019 third-round pick. Apparently, the Patriots haven't seen enough on film to warrant giving the 6'2", 335-pound lineman a shot in 2019 at $7.1 million. 

The former first-round pick has shown some promise during his first three seasons in the league. In 2017, he recorded 34 tackles and one pass defended. That gives him 129 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks and one pass defended for his career.

But those numbers are not quite as impressive as a team would hope from a 12th overall pick.

Perhaps injuries contributed to New England's decision. Although he has missed just two regular-season games in his career, staying healthy last year was tough as he dealt with knee, chest and calf injuries.

Shelton will now be in a prove-it year. If he shows the Patriots enough on the field, the two sides may explore a long-term deal at some point.