Overview

• The New England Patriots officially released linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley, a three-time captain, following his recovery from a torn pectoral muscle sustained last season.
• Bentley, who posted multiple seasons with over 100 tackles, expressed gratitude to the organization in an emotional farewell message shared on social media.
• The decision reflects the team's financial commitments to newly signed linebackers Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss, as well as a shift in defensive philosophy under head coach Mike Vrabel.
• Vrabel's planned aggressive defensive scheme is believed to be less suited to Bentley's skill set, which thrived under the previous system led by Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo.
• Speculation surrounds the Patriots' reported interest in drafting Josh Simmons, a controversial prospect with concerns about his fundamentals and football character, as part of their ongoing roster overhaul.