NFL training camps are just over the horizon now that all 32 teams have put organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamps behind them. The New England Patriots have an exciting outlook after concluding their early offseason workouts, especially as head coach Mike Vrabel hasn't wasted any time making his presence felt.
Having said that, the lull in action means Patriots fans have been finding creative ways to kill time before training camp opens. One reliably interesting activity is checking in to see what former New England players are doing, including one free agent who's yet to find a new team this offseason.
Former Patriots LB Ja'Whaun Bentley is Still Unemployed Before Training Camp
Long-time Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley is one of many players still waiting in the unemployment line. The multi-time New England team captain was released from the organization at the end of March following an injury-marred 2024 campaign that limited him to two appearances.
Bentley's departure was likely a result of the plethora of LB moves that happened shortly after Vrabel was hired. Harold Landry, Robert Spillane, Jack Gibbens, and K’Lavon Chaisson were all signed in free agency, and that's without mentioning how the first two names already have experience playing under Vrabel on the Tennessee Titans.
Since then, the seven-year Patriots defender has struggled to find anyone interested in signing him.
There's a good chance that Bentley's torn pectoral muscle from last season is the main reason why he's currently unemployed. Season-ending injuries are always tricky to bounce back from, and other teams might doubt his ability to rebound due to his turning 29 years old in late August. At this stage of his career, he might not be able to return to the player he once was.
Being unsigned at the end of June, Bentley will likely need a training camp-related or preseason injury to create an opportunity for him at this point. Although his recent injury situation might be concerning to some, a desperate team could be willing to roll the dice on a veteran with 280 solo tackles, 10.5 sacks, 11 defended passes, two interceptions, and a Super Bowl ring under his belt.
After years of being consistently employed by the Patriots, being without a contract this long must sting for Bentley. Hopefully, the former New England captain gets an opportunity to show that his NFL career is far from over, wherever that may be.