The New England Patriots lost their Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks 23-20 in overtime, but the result wasn't the worst thing to come from Sunday.
Things got worse for New England when it was revealed that linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered a torn pectoral in the contest that will cost him the rest of his 2024 season.
Bentley is a key piece to their defense and was voted a captain on that side of the ball, so losing him will be a big blow to DeMarcus Covington's unit.
For now, the Patriots have Raekwon McMillan, Jahlani Tavai and Christian Elliss to man the middle of their second level, and Sione Takitaki can help when he returns from reserve/PUP.
However, New England could consider signing a free agent linebacker to fill the void, as there are still plenty on the market with NFL experience.
Here are a few options the Patriots could call:
Zach Cunningham
Cunningham, 29, was a second-round pick of the Houston Texans out of Vanderbilt where he was First-team All-SEC twice and All-American once. He spent five seasons with Houston, two with the Tennesee Titans and one with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He's appeared in 95 career games, recording 705 tackles (31 for a loss), 23 passes defensed, 13 quarterback hits, five forced fumbles, four forced fumbles and an interception.
Shaquille Leonard
Leonard, 29, was a second-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in the 2018 NFL draft out of South Carolina State. He spent six seasons with the Colts and one with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He's a three-time Pro Bowler, three-time First-team All-Pro and was the 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
He's appeared in 75 career games, recording 637 tackles (34 for a loss), 31 passes defensed, 21 quarterback hits, 17 forced fumbles, 12 interceptions and seven fumble recoveries.
Josh Woods
Woods, 28, went undrafted in 2018 out of Maryland. He signed with the Chicago Bears as a rookie and spent four seasons with them, two with the Detroit Lions and one with the Arizona Cardinals.
He's appeared in 65 career games, recording 122 tackles (four for a loss), three quarterback hits, one pass defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a half-sack.
Kwon Alexander
Alexander, 30, was a fourth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025. He spent four seasons with Tampa Bay, two with the San Francisco 49ers, two with the New Orleans Saints, one with the New York Jets and one with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He's appeared in 104 career games, recording 631 tackles (54 for a loss), 34 passes defensed, 31 quarterback hits, 12 forced fumbles, nine interceptions and five fumble recoveries. He was a Pro Bowler in 2017.
Deion Jones
Jones, 29, was a second-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2016 out of LSU. He spent seven seasons in Atlanta, one with the Cleveland Browns and another with the Carolina Panthers.
He's appeared in 109 career games, recording 731 tackles (50 for a loss), 53 passes defensed, 24 quarterback hits, 13 interceptions, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was a Pro Bowler in 2017.
MORE PATRIOTS NEWS
Best and worst Patriots PFF grades from Week 2
Patriots lose a key defender for the 2024 season
Patriots cornerback gets Hall of Fame comparisons
Patriots defensive end challenges his defense after loss
