Patriots expected to re-sign LB Ja’Whaun Bentley

Ja’Whaun Bentley appears set to be back in New England. The linebacker is on the verge of a brand-new deal to remain with the Patriots (Twitter link via Field Yates and Mike Reiss of ESPN.com). 

Bentley recorded 108 tackles last year to lead all Patriots defenders. There was little doubt that the Pats wanted him to return for 2022, but there was also concern that he had played his way out of town.

The 25-year-old clearly outperformed his rookie deal, a paltry four-year, $2.8M contract for his fifth-round slot. Meanwhile, the Patriots cut Kyle Van Noy, and they could potentially lose Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins to free agency.

Bentley will be joined by new faces in the LB group, including the recently acquired Mack Wilson. There should be plenty more moves on the way, too, regardless of how things shake out with the Pats’ veteran free agents.