6 rings: Are Patriots fans getting ahead of themselves?
The Patriots have extended a starter for the second day in a row.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots have agreed to terms on a new contract extension with linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley.
The deal has a maximum value of $18.75 million and includes $9 million in guarantees.
A fifth-round pick in 2018, Bentley has been with the Patriots for the last six seasons and has been a perennial starter for the last three. He was named a team captain prior to the 2022 season, in which he tallied career highs in tackles (125) and sacks (3).
After New England signed wide receiver DeVante Parker to an extension on Wednesday, there was speculation that it was done to move money around and create salary cap space to sign free agent pass-catcher DeAndre Hopkins, who they met with earlier this month.
While the idea was shut down by some, Rapoport alluded to this in his follow-up reporting on the Bentley extension:
“New England extends two key players with big new deals… and opens up a bit of cap space, as well.”
We'll see how it all plays out. For now? The Patriots have locked up two players they believe to be contributors beyond next season.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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