Ja’Whaun Bentley’s Patriots tenure appears to be over.

Bentley took to X on Friday afternoon and posted, “New England!! Thank You for Everything!! It’s Been a Blessing.” ESPN’s Mike Reiss responded to the social media message and noted the “expectation” was for New England to release the veteran linebacker at some point Friday.

While Bentley’s future in Foxboro, Mass., was up in the air after the 2024 season ended, a recent report suggested the 28-year-old was going to play at least one more season with the Patriots. Bentley reportedly made a fairly significant body transformation in an apparent attempt to make himself a better fit for the defense Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams are expected to run.

Instead, New England will move forward with a linebacking corps that was almost fully overhauled this the offseason. Newcomers Harold Landry III, Robert Spillane, K’Lavon Chaisson and Jack Gibbens will join mainstays like Jahlani Tavai and Christian Elliss, who recently inked a new deal with the Patriots.

Releasing Bentley, a 2018 fifth-round pick by New England, also means the Patriots will have another leadership void to fill before the 2025 season. Bentley, a team captain in four of his seven seasons, was let go not long after the Patriots also said goodbye to David Andrews, an eight-time captain.

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Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images