One player that is still on the free agent market, JaWhaun Bentley could find a home soon before the 2025 regular season. According to Bleacher Report, the linebacker is one of the best available free agents in the market who is under age 30. It’s easy to see why Bentley hasn’t been getting much interest this offseason since he’s coming off a season-ending pectoral injury from last year, so teams aren’t taking the risk on him. However, he could start receiving some type of market well after the NFL Preseason, as it shouldn’t be long for teams looking to salvage their pass-rushing units.
Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Purdue product still had one of the best tenures with the New England Patriots after leading the team in tackles for three consecutive seasons. Bentley isn’t the worst available free agent, so it shouldn’t be too long before he signs a contract with a team that needs a capable defender. He’s not explosive, but when healthy, Bentley has the upside to be an effective difference maker to get after the quarterback in a blitz-type situation. Since he has been consistent for some time on another NFL team, he could do the same for these next five rosters if they give him a chance.
NFL Free Agent JaWhaun Bentley Could Find a Home Soon – 5 Possible Suitors
Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens’ defense wasn’t the same this past year after losing Jadeveon Clowney and Patrick Queen in the offseason prior. Between Odafe Oweh, Trenton Simpson and Kyle Van Noy, there would be doubt that Bentley could make an impact in this unit. Simpson is coming off his worst season, and if the Ravens sign someone like Bentley to salvage this unit for at least a year, the team could be in good shape.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders have an explosive offense, but the same can’t be said about this defense, which continues to deteriorate. Even after re-signing Bobby Wagner, it’s hard to imagine this defensive unit will be the same without Dante Fowler Jr. this upcoming season. Deatrich Wise Jr. signed a one-year deal, but there’s no guarantee that he will make an impact. Bentley is more of an upgrade that adds long-term stability for this defense.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers are in dire need of a defensive talent to help veteran Khalil Mack. After releasing Joey Bosa, the Chargers don’t have a capable threat in their defense other than Teair Tart and Mack, who can change this defense around. Bentley won’t single-handedly save this team, but he could be worth the risk on a budget to help Da’Shawn Hand’s first season as a Charger.
New Orleans Saints
However, the Saints will probably depend on the defense to win most of their football games. Between Demario Davis and Pete Werner, they need a long-term replacement since they lost Willie Gay Jr. this offseason. New Orleans isn’t a contender, but Bentley could keep this defense alive.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have done exceptionally well upgrading their defense this offseason. After signing Christian Rozeboom this free agency, they need another upgrade since they released Jadeveon Clowney. Bentley could fill the hole and upgrade this defensive unit alongside Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Brown as one of the most dangerous threats.
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