In a surprising move, the New England Patriots are reportedly releasing linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley, per Boston Herald's Doug Kyed.
Bentley suffered a season-ending pec injury in Week 2 last season. However, he has been one of the Patriots' best defensive players when healthy.
The team has loaded up at the linebacker position in free agency with the acquisition of players like Harold Landry III, Jack Gibbens, K'Lavon Chaisson and Robert Spillane. Still, Bentley is one of the more talented linebackers in the league at only 28 years old.
Newly-hired Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has moved on from multiple longtime favorites in the organization, including center David Andrews, cornerback Jonathan Jones and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr.