Sources: Patriots releasing linebacker, defensive captain Ja'Whaun Bentley

Doug Kyed, Boston Herald on Mar 28, 2025

Published in Football

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

BOSTON — The Patriots are releasing linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, according to sources.

Bentley, 28, was a four-time captain in his seven seasons with the Patriots. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft and appeared in 83 games with the team, registering 509 tackles, 10.5 sacks, two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 21 tackles for loss and 29 QB hits.

Releasing Bentley frees up $4.6 million in salary cap space for the Patriots, while they take on $1.8 million in dead money. He was entering the final year of a two-year, $13.4 million contract extension.

Bentley played just two games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending torn pectoral. He was fully cleared from the injury over the weekend, according to ESPN.

The Patriots are switching defenses this season, and Bentley, who was listed at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, isn’t the traditional fit for what head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams look for in a linebacker.

The Patriots signed linebackers Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens this offseason and retained linebacker Christian Elliss on a two-year, $13.5 million deal.

Monty Rice and Jahlani Tavai also remain on the Patriots’ roster at linebacker.

Long snapper Joe Cardona is now the only player on the roster who has won a Super Bowl with the Patriots.