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Patriots officially decline running back Sony Michel’s fifth-year contract option

Whereas fellow 2018 first-round draft choice Isaiah Wynn saw his fifth-year contract option exercised by the New England Patriots on Monday, running back Sony Michel will not be under contract beyond the upcoming season. The Patriots officially declined to trigger the fifth year of his rookie deal, meaning that he is now scheduled to enter free agency in 2022.

Michel originally arrived in New England as the 31st selection of the 2018 draft, and quickly made an impact on the team’s offense. Serving as the team’s early-down and short-yardage back, he picked up 931 yards on the ground during his rookie regular season and followed it up with one of the best rushing performances in NFL playoff history.