The New England Patriots are reportedly releasing linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley, a veteran and three-time captain, as part of a strategic shift in their defense under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel. Bentley, who amassed over 100 tackles each season from 2021 to 2023, is coming off an injury that sidelined him for much of the previous season. The signing of Robert Spillane and the matched offer for Christian Elliss indicate the team’s financial commitment to new linebackers and a more aggressive defensive approach, further endangering Bentley’s role.
New England‼️Thank You for Everything‼️It's Been a Blessing 🖤🎱- JB (@NVBentley33) March 28, 2025
Bentley totaled more than 100 tackles in each of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons, setting a career high with 122 in 2022.
The Patriots plan to adopt a more aggressive defensive scheme, which could have contributed to the anticipated release of Bentley.
Bundled together with the recent contracts signed for Spillane and Elliss, Bentley's likely departure signifies a strategic shift in the linebacker position.
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