Contract details out for Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley
The New England Patriots recently re-signed linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley to a new two-year deal worth up to $6 million, and now we have the full details.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 23, 2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mike Reiss on Wednesday, Bentley’s two-year deal includes a $1.6 million signing bonus. The base salary is $1.04 million for 2022 and $2.14 million for 2023. In each of the next two seasons, Bentley can also receive:— $510,000 in per-game roster bonuses ($30,000 per game)
— $100,000 workout bonus
— $1.5 million in incentives
Bentley’s contract includes total guarantees of $3.9 million, according to
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) March 23, 2022?s=21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phil Perry. That consists of his $1.6 million signing bonus, $1.04 million salary in 2022, and $1.26 million of his salary in 2023. Perry also specified that the $3 million in incentives are based on playing time.(Click here to subscribe to the Sports Hub Underground podcast.)
The 25-year-old Bentley took another step forward in his fourth NFL season, leading the Patriots with 109 total tackles. He also produced a career-high three forced fumbles, five QB hits, and five tackles for loss. His total defensive snaps have gone up in each of his four seasons, culminating with 691 (69 percent) in 2021.
With Dont’a Hightower still a free agent, it’s possible that the Patriots are moving forward with Bentley as their primary early-down inside linebacker. They still have Raekwon McMillan, who tore his ACL during 2021 camp, while 2021 fifth-round pick Cameron McGrone projects as more of a pass defender at the position.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
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