Team’s Call
The New England Patriots have shocked fans and teammates by cutting veteran linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley loose. This unexpected move comes even though Bentley was just given the green light to return after a left pectoral tear sidelined him to only two games last year.
Player’s Goodbye
Bentley bid farewell with a touching note to fans, overflowing with thanks for his time in New England. His post, capped with a black heart and an eight ball emoji, struck a chord with supporters and ex-teammates as a short but sweet send-off.
Roster Tweaks and Cash Flow
Letting Bentley go is part of a bigger plan to ease the salary cap crunch. With his $6.4 million cap hit this season, the release clears roughly $4.6 million. This follows a busy offseason, including locking in Robert Spillane with a three-year, $33 million contract and matching a two-year deal for Christian Ellis. These shifts show the Patriots are betting big on their current lineup to carry them through without Bentley.
Career Highlights and Next Steps
Bentley leaves behind a solid legacy: 509 tackles, 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and 11 passes defended, with over 100 tackles in each of the three seasons before 2024. With seven years in the NFL under his belt, he’s not likely to stay a free agent long. Freshly cleared to play and with a resume that speaks for itself, Bentley’s talents should find a new home soon as he steps into his next chapter.
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