Report: Patriots Re Sign ‘Thumper’ and Leading Tackler

The New England Patriots were set to make big changes in the regular season. Head coach Bill Belichick doesn’t have too much money to work with this season. Some of his players left the team in free agency, leaving big holes on the 2022 roster. Belichick brought back former players and he didn’t even stop here. The Patriots are bringing Ja’Whaun Bentley back again. He is one of the better players on the roster and this move doesn’t come as a surprise at all. The Patriots decided to sign their leading tackler again.

Ian Rapoport reported that the Patriots gave Bentley a two-year deal worth $9 million. Of course, he will have to earn those money. NFL analysts have great expectations from Bentley and he has to get the best from this chance.

The #Patriots have agreed to terms with their own LB Ja’Whaun Bentley on a 2-year contract worth a maximum of $9M, source said. Their leading tackler back in the fold.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2022

Patriots sign leading tackler for a reason

Bentley is an exceptional player and the Patriots can afford re-signing him. Bern Buchmasser from Pat’s Pulpit discussed his talent and his impact on the Patriots roster. The 2022 linebacker unit is a lot different than the group Belichick worked with last year.

“After the Patriots acquired Mack Wilson via trade there was some chatter about them potentially changing their approach at the linebacker position to become better in coverage and thus more adaptable to today’s pass-happy game,” Buchmasser detailed. “While that might still be the overall plan, bringing back Bentley is still a good move.”

In 2021, Bentley recorded team-high 109 tackles and this helped Belichick make a decision on his linebacker. Bentley went over the 100-tackle mark for the first time in his career.

“Bentley, after all, is a thumper,” Buchmasser added. “While he did show some encouraging improvement as a pass defender in 2021, his strengths lie in his ability to attack downhill and take on offensive linemen as a run defender. At 6-foot-2, 255 pounds he has the size to do that — unlike Raekwon McMillan, Mack Wilson and Cameron McGrone, who are all noticeably smaller.”

The Patriots will sure make a few more moves in the offseason. Adding Bentley is of great help for the team and this is just the beginning.