Patriots and LB Ja'Whuan Bentley agree on a 2-year, $18.75M contract extension.

The Patriots secure a key defensive leader through the 2025 NFL season.

By PGS Nest

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

---

Early Thursday (6/29) afternoon, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport announced the New England Patriots and fifth-year linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley agreed to terms on a 2-year, $18.75 million contract extension, including $9 million in guarantees.

Bentley, age 26, finished his 2022 campaign with career-year numbers totaling 125 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 6 QB hits. He's managed to improve his play on the field every year since being drafted in 2018. However, Bentley's leadership ability has been just as important to the Patriots defensive success as his play on the field.

Back in April of this year, Patriots assistant coach and former player Jerod Mayo described Bentley as a cornerstone for defensive leadership.

"He is very smart. Knows the entire defense, He's fast, big, and strong at the point of attack. Just a great player."

Head coach Bill Belichick also voiced his love for Bentley as a leader back in December of 2022.

"He's been great on the field, off the field, leadership, and communication. … Very unselfish player who does what's best for the defense."

This extension also benefits New England financially by clearing a bit of cap space.

The Patriots currently have many notable names without contracts heading into the 2024 off-season. Some of those important names include standout safety and offensive guards Kyle Dugger and Michael Onwenu, tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, as well as wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. New England can spend the additional money from the Bentley and DeVante Parker extensions on new contracts for these key players. If needed, they could also spend that additional money on free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who visited the team several weeks ago.