FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- In a surprising turn of events, the New England Patriots are set to part ways with veteran linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley this Friday, as reported by reliable sources.

This decision comes after Bentley's commendable eight-season tenure with the team, during which he established himself as a key player and three-time captain.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pound linebacker took to social media platform X, expressing gratitude to fans and teammates, indicating a heartfelt farewell.

Bentley has been a consistent performer, amassing over 100 tackles in each of the last three seasons. His standout year came in 2022 when he recorded a career-high 122 tackles.

However, injuries took a toll last season; he suffered a torn left pectoral muscle in Week 2, which sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign. Just recently, he confirmed at a season-ticket member event that he has been fully cleared to resume playing.

The uncertainty surrounding Bentley's future began earlier this year when the Patriots signed former Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane to a lucrative three-year, $33 million contract, raising speculations about Bentley's position on the team.

The concern intensified when New England matched a two-year offer sheet for restricted free agent linebacker Christian Elliss, further increasing the team's financial commitment at that position.

At 28 years old, Bentley was set to earn a base salary of $4.35 million in 2023, with additional per-game roster bonuses and a workout bonus scheduled to kick in as the offseason program approaches.

As the Patriots usher in a new era under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, the team's defensive strategies are shifting towards a more aggressive approach.

This change, aimed at enhancing their defensive efficacy, may have laid the groundwork for Bentley's release, who thrived in the previous scheme that emphasized run defense and downhill play typical of the Bill Belichick/Jerod Mayo era.

Ja'Whaun Bentley originally joined the Patriots as a fifth-round draft pick out of Purdue in 2018. Notably, he was the first player in Purdue history to serve as a three-time captain, marking him as a strong leader and a coveted asset for the New England defense.

As the Patriots prepare to move on from Bentley, fans are left wondering: Who will step into his role, and what does this mean for the future of the team's defensive lineup? Stay tuned as we cover this evolving story and what it could mean for the Patriots in the upcoming season!