The New England Patriots have put together a solid group of linebackers this season. Robert Spillane, the team’s leading tackler, was brought in on a three-year deal from the Raiders this season, and the Patriots have allowed only one 100+ yard game from a running back when he’s healthy.
Last season’s holdover, Christian Elliss, has a career-high of 94 tackles this season and has been a key piece to their defense in the second half of the year.
As far as depth goes, Jack Gibbens has offered solid play for a very affordable contract: he’s third on the team with 81 tackles. Jahlani Tavai’s role has been more matchup-dependent, but his 7% missed-tackle rate this season has led to an uptick in snaps over the past few weeks.
From Week 16-18, he played at least 50 snaps a game, a feat he hadn’t accomplished since Week 17 of last season. Converted safety Marte Mapu is primarily a special teamer.
New England has a solid group at the second level, but could use an upgrade. I’ve suggested that a draft pick be invested in the position, specifically Texas A&M’s Taurean York, as a potential second-round selection. In that same mock, New England selected Oregon’s Bryce Boettcher in the sixth round as a depth piece.
While an addition at the position this offseason would be nice, a certain former Patriot doesn’t move the needle enough for me. Sports Illustrated’s Ethan Hurwitz recently reported that Bentley could continue playing football, as per a recent tweet by the former Patriot, he confirmed he is “NOT Retired”.
Bringing back Ja’Whaun Bentley doesn’t make much sense for New England
Bentley had a solid career with the Patriots. A fifth-round pick out of Purdue, the ex-Boilermaker became a full-time starter in his third season, racking up 90 tackles. He’d have 109 or more tackles each of the next three seasons, and was named a captain by Jerod Mayo during his lone season as the head coach.
After a pectoral injury, however, Bentley would play just two games before being released this past offseason.
He signed with the Steelers’ practice squad in September, but was released after just three weeks. He hasn’t been with a team since, but as noted, he’s made it clear he isn’t retired.
Can Bentley be a contributor in the NFL? Likely. Now a year and a half removed from his pectoral injury, the 29-year-old should be fully healthy and ready to go if called upon. While fans may think a comeback from a player of such a high-impact position is unlikely, the Raiders’ Devin White proved that linebackers, too, can have career resurgencies.
After just 64 tackles over the last two seasons, White totaled 95 this year, leading the team. Bentley is just two years older.
While he could be a productive player, Bentley doesn’t fit New England’s scheme. Spillane, Elliss, and Gibbens are all lighter and faster linebackers. Tavai is the only one listed over 245 pounds, and as previously mentioned, he’s been used more sparingly.
Tavai is under contract, is the same age as Bentley, and has proven he can play a role in Vrabel’s system. Bringing Bentley in to compete for a roster spot seems unnecessary. Instead, drafting a linebacker, such as York or Boettcher, would be a better way to add depth behind Spillane and company.
Bentley is a well-respected Patriot and Super Bowl champion, but it doesn’t make much sense for the Patriots to bring him back to compete for any meaningful role next season.
