AP PHOTO/Carolyn Caster

The Patriots released another veteran with a link to the dynasty years on Friday when they cut veteran linebacker J’Whaun Bentley. 

Bentley, 28, was originally a fifth-round draft pick (143rd overall) by the Patriots out of Purdue in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Bentley played in 83 regular season games with 68 starts and registered 499 total tackles, 10½ sacks, 2 interceptions, 11 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. In addition, the four-time team captain was Super Bowl LIII champion.

Bentley took to X to preemptively announce his departure on Friday. 

“New England Thank You for Everything It’s Been a Blessing,” 

Bentley was sidelined with a season-ending pectoral injury two games into last season. He had all 12 of his tackles in the season-opening win against the Bengals.

The Patriots have prioritized the linebacker position this off-season by signing free agent Robert Spillane from the Raiders and former Titans linebacker Jack Gibbens who played for new coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee. Bentley became expendable. He was not going to be a scheme fit in the new defense. 

Bentley was entering the final year of a two-year $13.4 million contract extension he signed in 2023.