Patriots Cut Ties with Super Bowl Champ Ja’Whaun Bentley
The New England Patriots have officially parted ways with veteran linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, making him a salary cap casualty this offseason.
Bentley, 28, was sidelined for most of the 2024 season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2 against the Seahawks. He had signed a two-year, $13.5 million extension in 2023, but with $4.9 million left on his deal and the team bringing in linebacker Robert Spillane earlier this month, his release was widely expected.
During his seven-year run with the Patriots, Bentley was a force on defense, racking up 509 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and two interceptions. He was also part of the Super Bowl LIII-winning squad that defeated the Rams.
By cutting Bentley, New England frees up around $4.6 million in cap space. Now, the former fifth-round pick joins a list of experienced linebackers still looking for a home in 2025, including Eric Kendricks, Kyzir White, and Jerome Baker.