New England is going through a full cultural reset under Mike Vrabel. Today, ESPN’s Mike Reiss announced the Patriots are releasing their 3-time captain and 7-year veteran, LB Ja’Whaun Bentley. This move comes as a bit of a surprise. Considering the Pats just said over the weekend that Bentley had fully recovered from his torn pec suffered early last season. However, within a week, Bentley’s 7-year stay in Foxborough has come to an end. Knowing it’s his last day in New England, Bentley left an emotional farewell message for his 7-year home.

On his X, Bentley wrote, “New England‼️Thank You for Everything‼️It’s Been a Blessing 🖤🎱.” In his 7-year journey with the Pats, Bentley started 68 of his 83 games. New England got the best version of Bentley from 2021 to 2023, where he recorded over 100 tackles in each of his seasons. Actually, 2022 was the year Bentley showed how big of a monstrous tackler he could be. Recording career-high 125 tackles, 3 sacks, two passes defended, and an interception.

As Bentley also left an emotional note on Instagram: “It’s been an Honor to put on for New England for the past 7yrs man!! We had Run! Relationships that’ll last a lifetime. The long lineage of Dynamic Backers that put on that Patriot uniform on was something I took pride in. Even though it’s Up whenever we see each other again 😈lol, it’s Always Love!! ❤️🎱♾️…We are locked in forever!♾️”

Bentley was a perfect fit for Bill Belichick’s defensive scheme. Belichick liked his linebackers to be bigger, like Bentley, who stands at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds. He was a mainstay in the Pats’ defense for multiple years. Led the team in tackles almost every year ever since getting picked out of Purdue. However, the moment Vrabel arrived in New England, he brought a completely different defensive scheme. Vrabel likes his linebackers to be lighter and more athletic than Bentley. Take a look for yourself.

Robert Spillane (229 pounds), Jack Gibbens (240 pounds), and Christian Elliss (231 pounds). All of those new additions made Bentley a surplus to the LB room. His exit also means the Patriots moved on from four of their veteran leaders. Deatrich Wise and Jonathan Jones had already left for Washington. Then, David Andrews was also released after 10 seasons in New England. As for Bentley, his exit from Foxboro means the Pats will save $4.6M against the cap. So, this wasn’t just a defensive scheme move, was it?

Vrabel is probably planning for something bigger, or should we say controversial, ahead of the NFL draft. Apparently, the one player Vrabel is targeting for his O-line has landed in some trouble.

Mike Vrabel’s Ohio State visit might blow up in his face

As per Eleven Warriors beat writer Dan Hope, Mike Vrabel spent a lot of time talking to Ohio State’s OL Josh Simmons. See, Simmons, who is still recovering from his torn patellar tendon last season, was able to turn some heads in his Ohio State Pro Day. Only five months removed from his season-ending injury, Simmons still did enough to get Vrabel’s attention. He showed some eye-catching strength during the bench press with 33 reps as the Buckeyes cheered him on.

Now, that might have saved Simmons’ tanked draft stock because of his injury. However, he is now facing some vile allegations from an NFL scout. This unnamed scout apparently told sportswriter Bob McGinn that Josh Simmons is a “kind of a f—–. His issues are more football character. He has a complete sense of urgency, like a total finesse player. Mental is an issue. Lacks power, struggles to anchor. Fundamentals are poor. Plays like a guy that was at a JUCO and just came here.” If those comments are proven true, then Vrabel might have to think twice before taking Simmons under his wing.

With red flags now hoisting above Simmons’ character, the Patriots could go ahead with LSU’s OL Will Campbell. Like he is still expected to be picked No.4 overall if the Patriots do miss out on Abdul Carter. So, a lot can happen within a month. Either it will be Simmons in New England next season. Or it might be someone else Vrabel feels would blend in with his defensive scheme.