After Mike Vrabel took the head coaching role from Jerod Mayo this offseason, he wasted no time putting his stamp on the Patriots’ roster. Vrabel has overhauled the team’s personnel. According to Spotrac, he brought 14 new players to the team while letting go of 11 players from last year's team. One of the most surprising players Vrabel cut ties with was Ja’Whaun Bentley, who remains jobless as the calendar turns to mid-May. Bentley was a four-time captain in his seven seasons in New England.
Bentley’s absence from an NFL roster raises some eyebrows, especially considering his clear leadership role in the Patriots' locker room.
One possible reason Bentley may not be on an NFL roster is the season-ending shoulder injury that he suffered in week three of last season. Teams may be waiting to get a confirmation that he is healthy before signing him to their roster.
In addition to health concerns, Bentley has regressed on the field. After a great 2022 season, when Bentley had a PFF grade of 80.4 with three sacks and 80 tackles, he has seen his production drop off. In 2023, his last full season, Bentley had a PFF grade of 65.8.
Bentley is also getting up there in age. When the 2025 season kicks off, he will be 29 years old, which is getting close to the twilight years for linebackers. Teams will be cautious of giving a 29-year-old linebacker a prominent role, especially when you take into account his declining performance and his season-ending injury last season.
That being said, Bentley’s experience and leadership should help him land a job this season, especially in a league where injuries can impact a team’s depth.
For now, Ja’Whaun Bentley stands as a symbol of a new reign in Foxborough.