The New England Patriots will have a different look on multiple fronts next season, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With the arrival of head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, the Patriots are making significant changes, not only to the roster but also to the scheme.
One of those changes involves different expectations from various positions. Throughout the Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo era, the Patriots prioritized size at the linebacker position. Vrabel, on the other hand, wants his linebackers to be lighter and faster. This was demonstrated by free agent signings of Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens. Longtime Pats veteran Ja'Whaun Bentley is also making changes to his body to fit Vrabel's scheme better.
According to Patriots insider Mike Giardi, the 28-year-old linebacker is now ten pounds lighter than his listed weight, down to 230s. The team's on-field signal-caller is hoping to be quicker on his feet after transforming his body.
230s...not 230 https://t.co/y4sR4tgyBL
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 20, 2025
Bentley missed all but two games last season after suffering an unfortunate pectoral muscle tear. He will be ready for training camp and should start next to Spillane, with Gibbens and Jahlani Tavai providing depth behind them. If they can manage to hold onto Christian Elliss, he will also be a good option at the second level.
The Patriots added Milton Williams, Khyiris Tonga, Harold Landry, and Carlton Davis in free agency. With Christian Barmore and Bentley's returns, New England could be a much improved defensive unit next season.
Bentley, who turned himself into a three-down player over the years, having his best seasons as a pro in 2022 and 2023, will have to adapt to the new scheme. He has finished with at least 100 tackles, five QB hits, and five tackles for loss in each of his healthy seasons. Whether he can continue that streak under Vrabel and Williams remains to be seen.