The New England Patriots are planning to release three-time captain linebacker Jawhaun Bentley in a surprising move this offseason. According to the breaking news, the team is moving on as they’re building a new regime under head coach Mike Vrabel, so if you think about it, there was no bright future for Bentley, even though he was their starting Mike Lineback last season. After signing Robert Spillane and Harold Landry, the plan for Vrabel’s defense will be without Bentley, and it would make sense to keep him on the roster if they aren’t planning to use him. Bentley took to X to say his goodbyes, and it all looks official, as the linebacker will be looking for a new home.
Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Purdue product was one of the best edge rushers for New England, starting his career with Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy, recording four solo tackles and one tackle for loss in his debut against the Houston Texans. The Linebacker won the starting job and made promising strides, leading to him signing an extension in 2023, but an injury kept him out of contention last year. Bentley did help the team to back-to-back seasons, finishing first in the AFC East, but it’s now time for him to carve out a new role elsewhere, and it wouldn’t be too hard for him to find work. He has a lot of potential and if he stays healthy, these five teams should be pursuing him.
Breaking: Patriots Release Three-Time Captain JaWhaun Bentley, 5 Potential Suitors
Next Possible Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
Last season, the Los Angeles Chargers may have had one of the best pass defenses, but the same can’t be said about stopping the run. The team’s defensive front will look dramatically different since losing Poona Ford in free agency and releasing Joey Bosa. Khalil Mack is coming back, but it may be his last season in the league. Bentley is the perfect replacement the Chargers should sign immediately to give them relief.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers have made some notable moves, signing Tershawn Wharton to a deal to improve its defensive trenches for Derrick Brown. However, Jadeveon Clowney is aging and isn’t in his prime anymore. Josey Jewell hasn’t been able to step up, so they should be making a run for Bentley.
New Orleans Saints
After losing Willie Gay, the Saints need a new edge rusher in the worst possible way. Chase Young may be coming back, but the future doesn’t look bright for DeMario Davis since he took a pay cut, and he’s in numerous trade rumors. Pete Werner is the best linebacker in this unit, and someone like Bentley could give him immediate help to boost the run defense.
Washington Commanders
JaWhaun Bentley starting fresh in Washington could be the best thing for him. Frankie Luvu is one of those linebackers who loves to blitz, and if these two can get along, they can become a new scary duo. They already have veteran Bobby Wagner back, so the Commanders should maximize this time to get Bentley.
Kansas City Chiefs
For the Chiefs, the team may need another linebacker since they did trade for Josh Uche last season. It didn’t pan out since he hasn’t been able to put up solid production, unlike Nick Bolton. Perhaps, Bentley and Bolton could form a new duo for themselves and go on a legitimate Super Bowl run together in Kansas City.
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