Steelers to sign bruising LB Ja'Whaun Bentley

[ASFN Admin]

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense has been decimated by injuries through the first two weeks of the NFL season. The defense, even when healthy, has gotten pushed around to the tune of 31 or more points in the first two games for the first time since Mike Tomlin became head coach. According to ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter, Pittsburgh is doing something about it as they are preparing to sign former New England Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley.

Bently is in his eighth NFL season and spent the first seven with the Patriots. The Patriots released Bentley in March after he missed all but two games in 2024 with a torn pectoral. Prior to his injury season, Bentley had been a fixture for the Patriots for the previous four seasons. Bentley has 68 career starts and topped 100 tackles three straight seasons from 2021 to 2023.

Former Patriots LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, who spent seven seasons in New England, is signing with the Steelers practice squad, per source.

Bentley now joins former Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/huDydlYB1V

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2025

The Steelers are also signing free-agent wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins to help bolster a struggling offense. The addition of Bentley could be a sign that the rib injury suffered by Patrick Queen last week is worse than expected and he might miss this week's game against New England.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers to sign bruising LB Ja'Whaun Bentley

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