Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have terminated inside linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley from the practice squad, the team announced on Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the Steelers signed running back Raheem Blackshear.
Bentley, a seven-year veteran with the New England Patriots, signed with the Steelers on Sept. 17. Bentley picked the Steelers over a few other teams.
“No, I had a few in there,” Bentley said when asked about if the Steelers were the only team interested. “None of that matters, though. I’m where I need to be.
“It worked out. I felt like it’s all about timing. I put everything in God’s hands, I think everything’s a blessing. Coach Tomlin knows a bunch of people that I know, especially me growing up. It’s been good. It’s got a family feel here. Not saying it’s not a family feel everywhere else, but this kind of felt like a good fit.”
Bentley, who’s a big thumper of a run stopper, missed nearly all of the 2024 season after sustaining a pectoral injury in Week 2. Before the injury, he recorded 12 combined tackles, including 0.5 sacks, in two games during the 2024 season.
In his 83 career games (67 starts), Bentley has recorded 509 tackles (209 solos), 10.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, 29 quarterback hits, one forced fumble, four fumble recoveries and 11 passes defended.
Bentley criticized the Patriots’ decision to release Jabrill Peppers, who’s now with the Steelers.
“Where great players can’t play in it? Must be a helluva scheme,” Bentley wrote on X.
New England parted ways with Bentley in late March, while Peppers was released just before the season after signing an extension just 13 months prior.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting for this story.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Cut Ties with Downhill Physical LB
