The New England Patriots spent the 2025 offseason completely revamping their coaching staff and roster. After the disastrous Jerod Mayo stint, the Patriots wanted to transform the personnel for a fresh new start under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
Entering free agency with more cap space than they knew what to do with, the Patriots went on a spending spree. After signing Harold Landry, Carlton Davis, Milton Williams, Khyiris Tonga, and Robert Spillane, the Patriots will have a ton of new faces on the defensive side of the ball. To make space for the newcomers, however, some valuable veterans had to make way.
The most surprising of these departures, however, came on Friday. Patriots insider Doug Kyed reported that the team was releasing long-time starter Ja'Whaun Bentley.
The Patriots are releasing LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, per sources.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) March 28, 2025
Mike Vrabel Puts His Stamp on the Patriots With Shocking Release
Bentley has been with the Patriots since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. One of the longest-tenured members of the team, Bentley was a three-time team captain, having started in 68 games for the team during his stint.
Considered one of the team leaders and an excellent locker-room presence, Bentley's departure was certainly unexpected. Considering the fact that the Patriots still have a ton of cap space and didn't have to move him makes this one a head-scratcher.
What's obvious is that Vrabel wants to put his stamp on the team. Not only did he revamp the linebacker room with players who fit his system better, but he also wanted a change in the leadership group.
Bentley missed almost all of last season with a pectoral muscle tear but announced earlier in the offseason that he is fully healthy for 2025. He will surely be a valuable contributor on his next team while the Patriots rely on Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, and Jack Gibbens more in the rotation.