Ja’Whaun Bentley says goodbye to Patriots following release
“It’s been an honor to put on for New England for the past 7yrs man!!”
Following his surprising release by the team on Friday, longtime Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley said his goodbyes to New England.
Bentley, who was drafted by the Patriots in the fifth round in the 2018 NFL Draft, shared a heartfelt message to his now former team on Instagram.
“It’s been an honor to put on for New England for the past 7yrs man!!” Bentley wrote in a caption under a series of images and videos from his time with the Patriots. “We had run! Relationships that’ll last a lifetime. The long lineage of dynamic backers that put on that Patriot uniform on was something I took pride in. Even though it’s up whenever we see each other again 😈lol, it’s always love!! ❤️🎱♾️”
The 28-year-old played in 83 games for New England, 68 of those being starts. Bentley logged 10.5 sacks and 280 solo tackles.
A torn pectoral muscle in Week 2 cut his 2024 season short.
Bentley had signed a two-year, $13.5 million contract extension ahead of the 2023 season, a deal that would have lasted through 2025.
The player’s release seemed to have come as a surprise to one star Patriots player.
Immediately following reports of Bentley’s release, cornerback Christian Gonzalez shared this on X:
“Bruh what???”
Another one of Bentley’s former teammates, Davon Godchaux, appeared to have strong feelings about the transaction, too.
“It’s no loyalty, and it never will be!” Godchaux posted on X Friday afternoon. “As a player you always have to do what’s best for you!! 🤷🏽♂️”
Godchaux, a defensive tackle, played for New England from 2021-25. He was traded to the Saints in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick earlier this month.
Bentley joins an increasing group of the last remaining dynasty-era Patriots players to exit the organization, The team released longtime center David Andrews on March 13, and both DE Deatrich Wise and CB Jonathan Jones signed with the Commanders in free agency.
Andrews, Bentley, and Wise were all captains in New England last season.
This shift away from longtime players may be part of head coach Mike Vrabel’s strategy as he enters his first season with the team. He spoke at length about the type of culture he wants to instill during his introductory press conference in January.
With these changes, Joe Cardona is now the last remaining Patriots player who was on the team for their last Super Bowl.
It’s a stark reminder that the Patriots are a far different organization than they were six years ago. But, after winning just four games last year, things should be looking up for the team.
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