The Patriots are parting ways with another experienced leader. On Thursday, linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley took to social media to say farewell to Patriots fans. ESPN reports that the team is set to release the veteran linebacker.
“Thank you for everything, New England,” Bentley wrote. “It’s been a blessing.”
A captain and Super Bowl champion, Bentley’s 2023 season was cut short by an injury just two games in. In his 7-year career, he started 68 of 83 games for the Patriots. Between 2021 and 2023, he recorded over 100 tackles each season, with his standout year coming in 2022 when he posted 125 tackles and three sacks.
This move represents a significant shift in the Patriots’ leadership and the type of linebackers suited to Mike Vrabel’s system.
Bentley is the fourth veteran leader and third captain to leave the Patriots this offseason, joining David Andrews, Deatrich Wise, and Jonathan Jones. Wise and Jones have signed with Washington, while Andrews was released earlier this month.
A fifth-round pick from Purdue, Bentley quickly made an impact in Bill Belichick’s defense. He started two of his first three games as a rookie before suffering a season-ending injury in 2018. By 2020, he had become a regular presence in the middle of the defense, often wearing the green dot and ranking among the team’s top tacklers.
A multi-year captain in college, Bentley also held the same role in New England. At 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, Bentley was an ideal fit for Belichick’s defense, which favored larger linebackers. In contrast, Vrabel’s defense relies more on lighter, more athletic players at this position.
This shift is evident as the Patriots have recently signed Robert Spillane (229 pounds) and Jack Gibbens (240 pounds), both of whom played for Vrabel in Tennessee. Additionally, the team signed linebacker Christian Elliss (231 pounds) to a 2-year, $13.5 million deal this week.
