The New England Patriots' front office and head coach are looking to shake things up, and they have the cap space to do it. In a departure from what fans had become accustomed to over the years, New England has made a big splash to begin free agency this year.
The official free agency period hasn't even started yet, but during the "legal tampering window" New England has been one of the league's most active teams in upgrading their roster.
Of course, what is good news for fans isn't always good news for players currently on the roster. These Patriots find themselves on thin ice after New England's hot start to free agency.
1. Ja'Whaun Bentley, LB
With the signing of Robert Spillane to a 3-year $37 million deal on Monday it became clear that new head coach Mike Vrabel is prioritizing different linebackers for his revamped Patriots defense.
Under the team’s previous head coaches, Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo, the Pats had linebackers who were thumpers who ran downhill, could take up blocks, and set the edge. Ja’Whaun Bentley fits this mold. Contrary to Bentley, Spillane is a smaller linebacker who can run sideline-to-sideline and cover both running backs and slot receivers in space.
Since being selected in the 5th round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Bentley has had several strong seasons. His best season came in 2022 when he played in all 17 games and had 125 tackles, 3 sacks, and an interception. In addition, Bentley has been a leader for the Patriots, having been named a team captain four times, including each of the last three seasons. However, last season Bentley suffered a torn pectoral muscle during the team’s Week 2 game against the Seattle Seahawks and missed the rest of the year.
Bentley may not seem on paper like an obvious candidate to be removed from the roster. But when you take into account last season’s injury, and the fact that he may no longer fit the new defensive coordinator Terrell Williams' defensive scheme, Bentley may be a candidate to be cut or traded before the 2025 season.