New England Patriots free up more cap space after agreeing new Ja'Whaun Bentley contract
Ja'Whaun Bentley New England Patriots
The New England Patriots and linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley have agreed terms on a new two-year contract extension worth a maximum of $18.75 million.
Linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley and the New England Patriots have agreed terms on a new two-year contract extension worth a maximum of $18.75million.
Bentley's new contract includes $9million in fully guaranteed money, as per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
Bentley began his NFL career as a fifth-round pick of the Patriots but played sparingly as a rookie. However, all that changed by his third season as he took on a starting role.
In each of the last two seasons, he's grown into a legitimate defender, setting career-high marks in tackles (125), sacks (three) and tying his best totals in tackles for loss (five), pass breakups (two) and interceptions (one).
Pro Football Focus actually ranked Bentley as the eighth-best linebacker in the NFL in 2022 and, with the five-year veteran entering a contract year, New England opted to secure his services for the future with an extension that is fully deserved.
Bentley's deal comes one day after the Pats extended DeVante Parker and means they have cleared additional cap space.
The combination of newly freed salary for 2023 could improve their chances of signing receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who visited the Patriots in June, and isn't expected to join a team until just before the start of training camp in late July.
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