PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – One of the worst defenses in the NFL through two weeks of the season, the Steelers are adding a former Patriots, run-stuffing linebacker per Adam Schefter.
Since 2020, Ja’Whaun Bentley started every game he was available for the Patriots and played 91% of the snaps in 2023 with 114 tackles, 11 fewer than his career high he set the previous season. In seven seasons, Bentley, an inside linebacker, has 509 tackles (280 solo), 10.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions. The 29-year-old had a 17-tackle game for the Patriots in 2022.
Last year after 12 tackles in the season opener against the Bengals, Bentley tore his left pectoral muscle in Week 2 and missed the rest of the season following surgery. He was cleared this March and then released by the Patriots. He was a four-time captain in New England.
The former Purdue player was also the green dot linebacker, meaning he called out plays. One of the issues Mike Tomlin said the Steelers defense is having is communication.
Bentley will start on the Steelers practice squad, but an opportunity for him to advance with inside linebacker Malik Harrison put on injured reserve last week. Steelers play at the Patriots on Sunday.