The New England Patriots shockingly parted ways with a fan favorite on Friday as new head coach Mike Vrabel continues to reshape this roster.
According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, the Patriots are releasing veteran linebacker and three-time team captain Ja’Whaun Bentley. The decision to cut Bentley caught Patriots fans off guard, as he’s been one of the staples in New England’s defense for several years.
The 28-year-old linebacker was one of the longest-tenured members of the team, appearing in 83 games (68 starts) across seven seasons. The Patriots took Bentley in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
When news started to get out that New England was planning to release him, Bentley took to Twitter to thank the Patriots fans for their support.
“New England!! Thank You for Everything!! It’s Been a Blessing,” the veteran linebacker posted on social media.
New England‼️
— JB (@NVBentley33) March 28, 2025
Thank You for Everything‼️
It’s Been a Blessing 🖤🎱
Based on the Patriots’ moves in free agency, the writing was on the wall regarding Bentley’s future with the club. The team gave free-agent linebacker Robert Spillane a huge, three-year deal for $33 million, which could be worth up to $37.5 million.
Then the Pats matched restricted free agent Christian Elliss’ two-year offer sheet from the Las Vegas Raiders, worth up to $13.5 million. When you have that much money tied up into one position, something has to give, and Bentley was the odd man out.
The veteran linebacker was scheduled to make $4.35 million in base salary this season and is healthy, too. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Bentley said last weekend that he’s been fully cleared recently after suffering a season-ending torn pectoral injury in Week 2 last season.
Patriots LB Ja'Whaun Bentley says goodbye.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 28, 2025
Expectation is that the team will be releasing him today.
Three-time captain. Has been with team for 7 seasons.
Just said over the weekend he has been fully cleared recently after sustaining a torn pec Week 2 last season. https://t.co/FGsxxJwrQ2
That said, it will be interesting to see where Bentley lands next, as he could be a solid addition to a contender that needs linebacker help. Before getting injured last season, Bentley had three consecutive seasons with 100-plus combined tackles.