The Patriots don't necessarily need to go outside of the organization to find a replacement for Ja'Whaun Bentley.
Bentley, as you already know, is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. It's obviously a huge loss for New England, which isn't just losing a starter at the second level, but also its leading tackler, primary defensive communicator and the second longest-tenured captain on the team.
It'll be a team effort to replace some of that lost production.
Kyle Dugger will take over the play-calling responsibilities and increase his time in the box. Jahlani Tavai will slide back into the middle of the defense, despite spending a large chunk of time up on the line of scrimmage over the last couple of seasons. Raekwon McMillan will see more time on early downs, while Christian Elliss likely will have a role in rush packages.
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New England has the horses to prevent a disaster in the middle of the defense, but there's something about one particular outside candidate that makes a ton of sense.
Is Shaquille Leonard willing to jump on board?
Leonard was once viewed as the very best linebacker in the NFL, being named Defensive Rookie of the Year after leading the league in tackles in 2018, earning three Pro Bowl nods and first-team All-Pro selections and inked a $99.25 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.
What happened?
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Leonard underwent surgery on his back to correct nerves being impinged by his disks in 2022, missing the first three weeks of the season while recovering. He returned in Week 4, only to suffer a concussion and broken nose which led to three more games missed. He suffered a setback in his back injury leading up to Week 10 and was placed on injured reserve in November -- ending his season. The Colts released him halfway through the following season, only to see him sign with the Philadelphia Eagles for a five-game stretch in which he was able to remain healthy.
The NFL hasn't been too bullish on bringing the 29-year-old back around, though, as he's currently waiting on another opportunity.
"I'm more so just sitting back, getting the body healthy, and whenever the opportunity presents itself, we'll give it a try," Leonard told the Indianapolis Star's Kyle Smedley in June. "I just continue to be me by working hard. If it happens, it happens. If it don't, it don't. I think throughout my career I've had a great career, even if I do step away from it... I'm enjoying life and just waiting on that opportunity."
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New England has an open spot on the practice squad after releasing wide receiver Jalen Reagor, which would allow it to ease in someone who is coming off the couch. Jamie Collins is a recent example of someone who did something similar, playing in three games to end the season in 2022. Leonard likely won't ever return to being the player he was from 2018-2022, but if he can provide steadiness in the middle of an already stout defense, it would be a win for New England.
The Patriots would be wise to provide a chance, even if it is Leonard's last.
Featured image via Bill Streicher/Imagn Images
