The Raiders had high hopes for 2017 second-round pick Obi Melifonwu, but the safety was hurt much of his time in Oakland and was released off injured reserve on Oct. 23.
Now, the Connecticut product is headed back to the Northeast, as he will sign a contract with the New England Patriots, agent Sean Stellato confirmed to NBC Sports California.
News of the deal was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
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SIGN UP HERE The 24-year-old dealt with a hamstring injury during training camp last summer and when he returned, he got hurt again. Arthroscopic knee surgery landed him on IR at the end of the preseason. Once the Raiders designated him to return, he appeared in five games before hip surgery put an end to his rookie season. He finished with just six total tackles.
This year, with Jon Gruden in charge, Melifonwu was cleared for the offseason program, but he last practiced on Aug. 6 and was waived on Aug. 23.
The Raiders selected Melifonwu with the No. 56 overall pick last year.
