FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots are making a significant move ahead of the upcoming NFL season by releasing veteran starting linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. Bentley, a key player for the Patriots over the past several years, announced his departure from the team on social media, thanking fans for their support.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 250 pounds, Bentley has been a standout performer for the Patriots, consistently racking up over 100 tackles in multiple seasons. Despite facing an injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of the previous season, Bentley has recently been cleared to return to the field at full strength.
The Patriots’ decision to part ways with Bentley comes as they make strategic moves in reshaping their roster. With the recent signing of linebacker Robert Spillane to a lucrative contract and matching an offer sheet for Christian Elliss, it became clear that Bentley’s position on the team was in question.
Head coach Mike Vrabel’s intention to implement a more aggressive defensive strategy for the Patriots may have also played a role in Bentley’s release. Known for his abilities as a run-stopping linebacker, Bentley was a key figure in the team’s previous defensive scheme under former head coach Bill Belichick and defensive assistant Jerod Mayo.
Originally drafted by the Patriots in 2018, Bentley quickly made his mark as a leader on the team, becoming the first three-time captain in Purdue University’s history. His contributions to the Patriots over the years have been significant, making his departure a notable change for the team heading into the new season.
As the Patriots continue to make moves to strengthen their roster and adapt to a new defensive approach, the release of Bentley marks a significant transition for the team. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how the Patriots move forward without one of their veteran defensive stalwarts.