In 2024, the Baltimore Ravens' defense struggled to stop opposing offenses, especially the best in the league. They were consistently getting lit up for 30-plus points in the early going, and while they locked down teams in the second half of the season, there were still glaring issues.
Cornerback Brandon Stephens was a liability in coverage and drew numerous flags, and the unit lacked a true starting linebacker to play next to Roquan Smith. Baltimore’s front office did well improving the secondary by signing veteran corner Chidobe Awuzie and drafting safety Malaki Starks. However, linebacker remains a problem. Trenton Simpson is back in line to start, and fourth-round pick Teddye Buchanan looks to earn starting reps. One free-agent linebacker could change this tune, though.
Former New England Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley has been a mainstay in the league for the past seven years. He has suited up as a starter for the Patriots for five of those years and is as reliable as can be. A torn pectoral muscle ended his 2024 campaign in Week 2, and the team released him in late March. While he has gone unsigned thus far, he is only 28 and has plenty of football in the tank.
Anthony Palacios, an NFL writer for Last Word on Sports, highlighted the Ravens as a potential landing spot for the free-agent linebacker, and it could not make more sense. The team has struggled to replace former Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen, who has done no better with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Still, Simpson has disappointed, and it might be too early for Buchanan to contribute as a starter. Enter Bentley.
Ja’Whaun Bentley has the answers to the Ravens' problems
Throughout his career, Bentley has proven he can do it all. He has produced as a blitzer over the last few years, can be a stellar run defender, and provides strong coverage abilities. He has not earned a Pro Bowl nod thus far, but he has proven to be a starting-caliber player, which is exactly what the Ravens need in 2025.
Baltimore loves reliability, consistency, and leadership, and the former Purdue Boilermaker checks all the boxes. Bentley was a three-time team captain in New England and was a star on the field. Pro Football Focus has graded him as an above-average linebacker for most of his career, and he is only a few years removed from an excellent 2022 campaign that saw him grade out as the 13th-best linebacker in the league at an 80.4 overall grade. The grade also included average-to-above-average play in pass rush, run defense, and pass coverage. Sure, 2024 was not great in the small sample size, but he should be able to give Baltimore starting-level play.
The 28-year-old is also a Maryland native. He is from Glenarden, Maryland, and played high school football at DeMatha Catholic High School. Both sides should be interested in agreeing to a 2025 contract. Baltimore needs a partner in crime for Smith, and Bentley could land in a familiar area.
Even though Bentley makes all the sense in the world, there has not been much talk about the team signing a linebacker. They added Jake Hummel in the offseason to shine on special teams, and Simpson and Buchanan have shown off in camp. The number two linebacker spot is wide open, but if Baltimore brings Bentley in, that role should be in good hands.
