The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to improve their defense this season due to injuries, which means they did host a few free agents, including JaWhaun Bentley. According to reports, the Steelers are bringing in Bentley for a visit, as it’s no secret that they’re trying to find depth. After losing Malik Harrison on IR, and now Alex Highsmith will be missing some time, it’s easy to understand that they’re finding a quick fill to their defensive roster. Between T.J. Watt and Patrick Queen, the Steelers have one of the best linebacker duos in the league, but someone like Bentley can easily turn this defense from good to explosive.
Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Purdue product was released from the New England Patriots earlier this offseason. He didn’t fit into the regime and scheme that new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was building in New England. Despite that, the biggest thing for the linebacker is that he hasn’t found a new home yet, and that itself is shocking, and Bentley is completely healthy. Not only that, but the linebacker hasn’t gotten a ton of attention or at least a visit from a team, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens here.
Bentley could finally get more visits from teams that may need a linebacker at some point, and these three teams may take a look at him.
Report: Steelers Host Shocking Free Agent JaWhaun Bentley That’s Still Available – 3 Suitors May Intervene
Possible Fits
Baltimore Ravens
Despite losing key linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Patrick Queen over the past seasons, the Baltimore Ravens are actually building a promising unit this year. Teddye Buchanan is the latest linebacker on this roster who has shown that he could be versatile and get after the quarterback in crucial moments. Odafe Oweh and Roquan Smith are still playing at their peak, but the only implication is Kyle Van Noy. He’s going to miss multiple games, so the Ravens need a low-stakes replacement on a cheap contract that could fill the void.
Bentley joining the Ravens would be the right situation to give rookie Mike Green and Trenton Simpson some breathing room without having to take that extra step.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers need some new help on defense. After losing Tershawn Wharton, Bentley isn’t a defensive lineman, but you can upgrade one unit to outwork the other. Since they released Clowney and Josey Jewell, they haven’t found a replacement. Bentley might finally get the chance to prove that he can be a capable defensive playmaker who can get plenty of touches.
Los Angeles Chargers
After losing veteran Khalil Mack, they could use someone like Bentley. The Los Angeles Chargers have one of the deepest linebacker units, but it wouldn’t hurt to bolster this room. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win football games with an old-school football team, and Bentley can fill the missing hole when Mack can’t. He won’t pull off what Mack can do in certain moments, but Bentley could finally be a part of the best defenses in the league.
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