No Surprise: Patriots cut ties with $6.7 million star after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley (and it was time)

Mike Vrabel didn’t stay sentimental with his culture shift, and it led to the departures of notable Patriots players.

That culture shift continued Friday when it was reported that New England would release Ja’Whaun Bentley. That meant Joe Cardona was the last player from the franchise’s last Super Bowl run. Bentley’s departure came after the Patriots released David Andrews and allowed Jonathan Jones and Deatrich Wise to walk.

Vrabel promised changes when he became head coach and that included players who he believed fit the culture he wanted to cultivate. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Patriots made more cuts, especially after the 2025 NFL Draft. And the prime candidate to also get the boot would be Jahlani Tavai.

The linebacker has three years left on his contract and carries a $6.4 million cap hit if the Patriots released him, per Over the Cap. However, if he’s cut after June 1, that cap hit drops to $3.5 million and the Patriots would save $1.9 million in cap space.

Tavai signed an extension last offseason, but he didn’t pay it off. On the other hand, the 29-year-old earned the scorn of fans when he admonished them for booing the team during an embarrassing home loss. The coaching staff seemed to bench the veteran in Week 18, but he still was no fan favorite.

The 2019 second-round pick also isn’t a stylistic fit under the defense Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams hope to build. The signing of Robert Spillane and new contract for Christian Elliss showed that the Patriots want to get faster at linebacker. Bentley didn’t fit that mold nor does Tavai.

It’s a logical move to expect from the front office. However, unlike the reactions to the Andrews and Bentley releases, fans might not be too shocked if it happens.