The New England Patriots are closing in a deal to re-sign linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss and Field Yates.
Bentley, 25, spent his four NFL seasons with the Patriots and he’s coming off his best year. He recorded three forced fumbles, a sack, five quarterback hits and he led the team in tackles with 109. He had 91 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 13 games during the 2020 season.
The Patriots have been quiet in free agency, but they did re-sign Devin McCourty, Matthew Slater, James White, James Ferentz, Nick Folk and Brian Hoyer thus far. Bentley is another experienced veteran that will be a leader within the defense.
The Patriots are closing in on an agreement to bring back LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, sources tell me and @FieldYates.
Bentley led the team with 108 tackles last season.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 18, 2022
New England released Kyle Van Noy to save cap space, while Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins are still testing the market. The return of Bentley gives some security at a linebacker position that was looking shaky heading into free agency.
The only free agents the Patriots have signed to this point are cornerback Terrance Mitchell and running back/wide receiver Ty Montgomery.
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